Which of the following is a common reason people do not help in emergencies?

The bystander effect is a well-documented psychological phenomenon that explains why individuals are less likely to offer help in emergencies when other people are present. This occurs because individuals in a group may assume that someone else will take responsibility for providing assistance, leading to a diffusion of responsibility. As a result, the more bystanders that are present, the less likely it is that any one individual will step forward to help.

This concept highlights how social dynamics and the presence of others can influence an individual's decision-making in crisis situations. Many assume that if others are not reacting, then help is not needed or that someone else is already taking charge. Understanding the bystander effect is crucial in first aid training, as it encourages individuals to acknowledge their own responsibility to assist in emergencies, regardless of the presence of others.