Abstract
This thesis investigates the psychological factors influencing prosocial behaviour, with a particular focus on the willingness to donate in the context of global humanitarian crises. It begins with a comprehensive review of the current literature on the drivers of prosocial behaviour, followed by a discussion of the methodologies used within the research, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
The core of the thesis is comprised of four distinct papers, each exploring different factors that encourage helping behaviours towards refugees and disaster victims. There are several key findings. Refugees motivated by safety concerns and extreme financial hardships received significantly more empathy and assistance compared to those motivated by moderate financial concerns (3 studies, N = 318, 127 & 120). Moreover, the mode of delivery (text vs. video) did not significantly affect helping intentions towards refugees, suggesting that the content of the message might be more crucial than the medium (1 study, N = 124). Furthermore, enhancing the cognitive salience of oneness with all humanity increased feelings of oneness with refugees, which in turn predicted a greater willingness to donate towards refugees (2 studies, N = 165 & 180). Lastly, individuals perceiving the world as more dangerous, and declining were more likely to experience emotional distress due to world events. This emotional state significantly predicted their willingness to donate to disaster victims (1 study, N= 158).
Through a combination of experimental and correlational methodologies, this thesis offers valuable insights into the psychological underpinnings of helping behaviours in humanitarian settings. It contributes to theoretical advancements in social psychology while providing practical implications for policymakers and humanitarian organizations aiming to foster a more compassionate and proactive response to global crises.
The core of the thesis is comprised of four distinct papers, each exploring different factors that encourage helping behaviours towards refugees and disaster victims. There are several key findings. Refugees motivated by safety concerns and extreme financial hardships received significantly more empathy and assistance compared to those motivated by moderate financial concerns (3 studies, N = 318, 127 & 120). Moreover, the mode of delivery (text vs. video) did not significantly affect helping intentions towards refugees, suggesting that the content of the message might be more crucial than the medium (1 study, N = 124). Furthermore, enhancing the cognitive salience of oneness with all humanity increased feelings of oneness with refugees, which in turn predicted a greater willingness to donate towards refugees (2 studies, N = 165 & 180). Lastly, individuals perceiving the world as more dangerous, and declining were more likely to experience emotional distress due to world events. This emotional state significantly predicted their willingness to donate to disaster victims (1 study, N= 158).
Through a combination of experimental and correlational methodologies, this thesis offers valuable insights into the psychological underpinnings of helping behaviours in humanitarian settings. It contributes to theoretical advancements in social psychology while providing practical implications for policymakers and humanitarian organizations aiming to foster a more compassionate and proactive response to global crises.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 2024 |
