Reactive guardianship: Who intervenes? How? And why?

Study offers interesting insights into complex decision-making processes

Criminologists Tim Barnum, Shaina Herman, Jean-Louis van Gelder, Denis Ribeaud, Manuel Eisner, and Daniel S. Nagin have recently conducted a study that offers interesting insights into complex decision-making processes by exploring bystander reactions and interventions in a bar setting. The study, which is part of the 360º Virtual Scenario Method research program, analyzed responses to a virtual scenario in which a young woman was being sexually harassed by a male patron.

Findings revealed that, while most participants agreed that the perpetrator's actions were inappropriate, nearly half chose to watch and wait rather than undertaking action, and only around 30% indicated a willingness to physically intervene. Preferred methods of intervention included seeking assistance or verbally stepping in.

The study shows that simply identifying a situation as problematic doesn't necessarily motivate intervention. However, factors such as prosociality, prior experience, physical prowess, danger, anger, approval of violence, and situational violence acceptability significantly do influence intentions to intervene.

 

• For more findings, read the full article (Open Access): https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1745-9125.12380