Trait/situational empathy and helping tendencies of HK adolescents in bullying incidents : implications for anti-bullying practices

Abstract

The present study aimed at investigating the effects of empathy and situational sympathy on the helping tendency of bystanders in school bullying incidents, and thus, provide some insights for the school anti-bullying programmes. One hundred and seventy one junior secondary school students participated in the study. Results indicate that, on top of empathy, situational sympathy is an additional predictor of helping tendencies in bullying incidents. Moreover, situational sympathy further promotes the “Stop the bully” act in verbal, physical and cyber bullying. Students at higher grade level displayed lower helping tendency in verbal and cyber bullying situations. The bystander effect was not supported also. Theoretical and practical implications, as well as suggestions for future investigation, were discussed.