The odds of helping are highest when
- the person is an elderly man
- we are in a hurry
- we are feeling guilty
- we are focused on ourselves and preoccupied
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: 3. we are feeling guilty.
When people feel guilty, they are more likely to engage in helping behavior as a way to alleviate that feeling. Guilt arises when an individual believes they have violated a moral standard or failed to act in a way that aligns with their values. In an effort to reduce this discomfort, individuals are often motivated to restore balance by helping others. This response is rooted in the idea of making amends, where the act of helping is seen as a way to “right” the wrong and reduce the emotional tension created by the guilt.
Research into helping behavior shows that people are more likely to help when they feel they owe someone something or when they feel they can “make up” for something they did wrong. This is because helping others serves as a form of self-justification, helping the person feel better about their own actions. Guilt makes individuals more empathetic and motivated to help those in need, especially if the guilt is associated with a specific person or situation.
On the other hand, other options such as being in a hurry or focused on oneself tend to reduce helping behavior. Time constraints and a preoccupation with personal concerns can lead individuals to ignore others’ needs, as helping requires attention and resources that may seem in short supply. The elderly may receive more attention in some situations, but this is not as directly linked to guilt or the emotional motivation to help as the feeling of guilt itself.
Thus, the feeling of guilt enhances a person’s willingness to help others as a way of coping with or atoning for negative emotions.