Life is Not a Spectator Sport

A person is a bystander when they notice a situation is wrong and they do not do or say anything. It is that gut feeling that something just isn't right. The choice is simple, do something or do nothing. At Mizzou, we are hoping to encourage an environment where everyone chooses to step up when faced with the opportunity to help a fellow Tiger.

What is the bystander effect?

Definition: The term bystander effect was first coined by Darley and Latané in 1968 as the psychological phenomenon in which someone is less likely to intervene in an emergency situation when other people are present and able to help than when he or she is alone.1

Also known as bystander apathy, Genovese syndrome, diffused responsibility or bystander intervention, the bystander effect can be a barrier to us helping one another stay safe and healthy. At Mizzou, the Life is Not a Spectator Sport and Green Dot campaigns encourage students to watch out for one another.

Why would we focus on bystanders?

A person is a bystander when they notice a situation is wrong and they do not do or say anything. It is that gut feeling that something just isn't right. Every MU student will encounter many potential bystander situations while they are at Mizzou. This means everyone can be a part of making our campus a safer, healthier place. We don't have to be bystanders; we can choose to do something.

Ask yourself2:

  • When have I been a bystander?
  • What bothered me about this situation?
  • What kept me from doing something?
  • How did I feel afterwards?
Four stages of bystander behavior2:
  • Notice the event
  • Interpret it as a problem
  • Feel responsible for dealing with it
  • Possess the necessary skills to act

Why don't people intervene?

Literature says2:

  • Diffusion of responsibility - Everyone assumes someone else will intervene. Bystanders may also think that someone else is more qualified to help. Ex: "a doctor would be more qualified to help a person with alcohol poisoning"
  • Pluralist Ignorance - People look to others to monitor their reactions and see if they think something should be done. When everyone is watching others' reactions (and not intervening), people assume that the situation does not warrant an intervention. I.e. "no one else seems to be bothered by what is going on, so it must not really be a problem"
  • Social influence
  • Fear of retaliation
  • Fear of embarrassment
MU students who did not intervene when they saw a person in danger/trouble say:
  • It's not their concern and they don't want to get involved.
  • They don't think it's their responsibility (They are not the party police or someone's babysitter).
  • They don't think it's a problem.
However, in a 2010 survey,
  • 94.4% of MU students reported they would want a friend to do something if they needed help.
  • 91.6% of MU students recently reported that they would step in and do something if a friend was drinking alcohol in a way that was harmful to his or her self.

Click here to see the stats!
When/how can you help?

Stepping up to help others does not have to only happen in emergencies. We can help one another make healthier choices every day. There is no effort too big or too small when it comes to taking care for one another. You could...

  • talk to a friend that may have a problem with alcohol
  • encourage them to alternate alcoholic with non-alcoholic beverages when they are drinking
  • eat dinner with them before they go out drinking
  • bring them a glass of water instead of their next drink
  • encourage a friend to explore resources to stop smoking
  • offer to join them in a healthy fitness/nutrition plan

Tips for intervening3
  • Approach everyone as a friend
  • Do not be antagonistic
  • Avoid using violence
  • Be honest and direct
  • Recruit help if necessary
Green Dot training at Mizzou

Learn about Green Dot training offered every semester at MU. Click here!

MU students have pledged... intervening when someone needs help • ignoring the awkward feelings and step up and be comfortable in confronting people/friends when in bad situations • calling 911 or taking them to the hospital when I'm the only sober person present at a social/party • stopping/slowing down their drinking when I know they are taking in more than they can handle • realizing there is a problem occurring and making an effort to try and fix the problem • getting my friend to drink less • being a good person, preventing someone form entering/being in a harmful situation, passing along advice, trying to make a difference • providing alternative situations and activities; being proactive • helping then when they are in a situation that is dangerous and they are unable to take care of themselves • being there to listen • offering my help to them whenever it's needed • encouraging everyone I know who smokes to quit • being a friend and making whatever situation they are going through easier for them of help them make better choices • never letting anyone leave in a car even if they're "fine to drive". I'll trust my instincts • not letting them smoke or do other things harmful to their health • keeping friends and family form harming themselves and others through abuse and violence • telling them not to tan! • listening to others' issues and stepping up and telling them if something goes wrong • being there, involved in their lives and taking them seriously • offering to be the designated driver on a Friday night • being there for them when they need someone to talk to! • freely offering my help or knowledge • being there to listen and aid when needed. Motivate and support! • letting them confide in me and getting them help • letting them know about their health • being a DD all the time • listening to their problem and helping them find help • if a friend needs a ride home, I will always offer to help them out! • driving a drunk friend home • when the bar closes and she comes home, I will get her to stop drinking • being a friend to listen and come to when they have a problem • don't let drunk friends drive • influencing them to make better choices • standing up and pointing out what's being done- showing the potential victim that I see her • asking a friend if she REALLY wants to go home with a guy. And ask her to make sure she's ok • pledging to become a Green Dot in hectic situations and assist my friends whenever they need me • be there for my friend when he needs me. Be patient, kind. Next time, when my friend is too tired, I will drive • doing what is right in time of need for a friend • saying something when someone makes a rude remark about my gay friend instead of staying silent • making sure that I am the designated driver • taking them aside and help them sober up, give them water to drink, taking keys away • taking her drink away if it is obvious she is too drunk for her own good • dragging my friend into the cab with me after a night out at the bars • stopping a friend from drinking when she's had too much, but doesn't think so • offering to take them away from the situation and to a place they feel comfortable • driving a friend home of watching out for an intoxicated friend •

1: Darley, John M.; Latane, Bibb (1968). Bystander Intervention in Emergencies: Diffusion of Responsibility. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol 8(4, Pt.1), Apr 1968, 377-383
2: Berkowitz, AD (2009). RESPONSE ABILITY: A Complete Guide to Bystander Intervention. Chicago, Beck & Company.
3: University of Oregon Division of Student Affairs. Sexual Violence Prevention and Education. Retrieved from: http://pages.uoregon.edu/asap/Get-educatedBystInter.html


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Published by the Wellness Resource Center / G202 MU Student Center, Columbia, MO 65211 / 573-882-4634