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Catastrophe Compassion: Understanding and Extending Prosociality Under Crisis
1Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Trends in Cognitive Sciences
|May 16, 2020
Summary
During disasters, people often show compassion and cooperation, contrary to media portrayals of panic. This research explores the roots of
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Disaster Studies
Background:
- Popular media frequently depicts panic and cruelty during disasters.
- Empirical evidence suggests widespread cooperation and altruism are common during crises.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize evidence supporting the phenomenon of 'catastrophe compassion'.
- To explore the underlying psychological and social roots of prosocial behavior in disasters.
- To consider strategies for fostering prosocial behavior in non-disaster contexts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on disaster behavior.
- Analysis of anecdotal and empirical evidence of cooperation during crises.
- Theoretical discussion on the evolutionary and social underpinnings of altruism.
Main Results:
- Contrary to popular belief, individuals frequently exhibit remarkable cooperation and care during disasters.
- Evidence points to shared vulnerability and social bonds as drivers of 'catastrophe compassion'.
- Prosocial behaviors observed in disasters may stem from innate human tendencies.
Conclusions:
- Disasters can reveal profound human capacity for altruism and social solidarity.
- Understanding 'catastrophe compassion' can inform disaster preparedness and community resilience.
- Cultivating prosocial behaviors in everyday life may enhance societal response to future crises.
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