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Self-Focused Attention, Timing, and Helping Behavior

A Field Study

Tufts University

Stephen Altman

Tufts University

Helen Chalek

Tufts University

The present study explored the relationship between self-focused attention and helping behavior in a naturalistic setting. While waiting in an airport departure lounge, some subjects had their pictures taken whereas others did not (Control condition). In all conditions subjects were provided with an opportunity to help a needy confederate. In the picture-taking conditions, the time lapse between the picture taking process was either 45 seconds (Immediate condition). 21/41 minutes (Intermediate condition), or 4 minutes (Later condition). A fifth condition was also run (Self-Perception condition) in which subjects were helpful to the experimenter. but not in a manner that should have increased their level of self-attention. As predicted, subjects were somewhat more helpful in the Immediate condition than in all others, which did not differ. This finding was attributable, however, to the female but not the male participants. Theoretical explanations are discussed.

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