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Background:
Given the name,Group Think" seems to support the notion that two heads
are better than one, or that there is safety in numbers. The reality
is that this may be true in some situations, but not in others. For
example, while many Fortune 500 companies thrive on the positive notion
of teamwork equating with success, there are other times when the
greater numbers of people lead to negative outcomes and anything but
fortune.
This past week a high school student was gang raped after her
Homecoming dance in northern California. What is even more astonishing
is that there were a number of witnesses who did nothing to help this
poor individual. Many of these witnesses stated that they were either
afraid they would get hurt or that someone else would do something to
help the victim. In this case, no one went to her aid and she was
horribly attacked.
Unfortunately, this type of situation is well-known in the psychology
world under the heading of Bystander Intervention. Here, many studies
have shown that when a person is in a condition of aggressive danger,
the more people present, the less likely help will occur. The
underlying premise is two-fold: first, someone else will help; and
second, a fear that something bad will happen to the person who reaches
out to help. In the end, many studies and true events have shown over
and over again that these type of situation then lead to disaster,
which was again confirmed this past week with this poor girl after her
dance.
On the other end of the spectrum are the heroes and people blessed with
altruism. I place firefighters, law enforcement, and the military.
These individuals seem to not be effected by such statistics, but we
cannot always rely on one of these "heroes" to be present every time
there is a dangerous situation to save the day.
So, how do we get people to help others despite such real statistics and studies? Education of this known condition and actions that can be taken to help victims with safe and effective ways to intervene. Either way, apathy is erased and help is provided to the victim.
Countering Group Think:
1. Better educate people about the problem with group apathy during crisis situations.
2. Encourage altruism in both children and adults
3. Consider safe ways to help victims, such as calling for help early
4. Don't assume others will help. Take responsibility to help others.
5. You do not have to place yourself in danger to help another person
Taking these 5 points to heart not only helps save lives but also
instills the notion of the importance of helping others which should
make each person feel better as a person.
Dr. Keith Kanner/ Morning Show HostYour Family Matters
San Diego 6 News In The Morning
San Diego Living Show
2008 Winner: IMedia Parenting Award for Television - Disney, Inc.
2009 Winner: Man Of The Year In Medicine & Healthcare - ABA
Host/Extra Life Changers - EXTRA TV
Anchor/Host: Dr Kanner & Kompany - WSRadio-San Diego
XETV l Bay City Television, Inc.
8253 Ronson Road, San Diego, CA 92111
(619) 261-2346
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About drkanner
Dr. Kanner is a Licensed Clinical Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychologist and Psychoanalyst with a full time private practice in Rancho Santa Fe, California. He is also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry in the School of Medicine at U.C. San Diego and a Clinical Instructor and Supervisor at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. Recently, he has become the Director of Clinical Counseling for La Jolla Country Day School and has been named to the National Board of Directors for KidsKorps, USA. He continues as a Consultant for many public and private schools in San Diego and has also received distinguished teaching awards over the past seven years. He is a published author and a sought after speaker on topics pertaining to childhood, adolescence, and parenthood. He is also presently writing a book for Fox based on his show, Your Family Matters.
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