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bystander effect

This shows the outline of a head and brain. Behind are two people fighting.

·September 8, 2025·2 min read

Aggression Is Contagious: Observing Violence Primes the Brain for Aggression

A new study shows that observing violence can make individuals more likely to act aggressively later, but the effect depends on familiarity. Male mice who watched familiar peers attack others became more violent afterward, driven by amygdala neurons that “prime” aggression.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 26, 2024·5 min read

Bystander Support Reduces Antisocial Behavior

A new study emphasizes the crucial role of bystanders in confronting anti-social behavior. Three studies showed that bystander support reinforces social norms and discourages harmful conduct, while silence or subject-changing undermines these efforts.

This shows a child in a street with people standing around.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 26, 2023·5 min read

Autism Poses Advantage in Bystander Scenarios

Researchers shed light on the lesser-discussed advantages of autism in workplace settings. Contrary to the 'bystander effect', where individuals are less likely to intervene in adverse situations when others are present, those with autism do not conform to this norm.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 25, 2023·6 min read

Mindfulness and Morality: A Study on Injustice Awareness

Researchers studied the relationship between mindfulness and people's reactions to injustice. They aimed to understand whether mindfulness might make people less responsive to perceived unfair treatment of others.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 1, 2021·4 min read

The ‘Bystander Effect’ Is Real; But Research Shows That When More People Witness Violence, It’s More Likely Someone Will Step up and Intervene

While many people freeze while witnessing a violent event, researchers say nine times out of ten, at least one person will intervene to help the victim.

Featured Psychology

·September 11, 2018·6 min read

Humans Might Not Be Altruistic ‘Avengers’ After All

Contrary to popular belief, researchers report most people do not interfere when they witness someone abusing a stranger.

Featured Psychology

·July 12, 2017·4 min read

A New Look at the Killing of Kitty Genovese: The Science of False Confessions

Researchers take a new look at the murder of Kitty Genovese, a case that sparked psychologists interest in the bystander effect. Several new studies reveal that there are a number of instances where the facts of the case do not align with the original story, and also discover evidence of false confessions.