Skin Conductance Response Predicts Costly Helping
Author Information
Author(s): Hein Grit, Lamm Claus, Brodbeck Christian, Singer Tania, Avenanti Alessio
Primary Institution: University of Zurich
Hypothesis
Do individual differences in skin conductance responses when observing another person's pain predict later costly helping behavior?
Conclusion
The strength of empathy-related skin conductance responses predicts later costly helping, especially when these responses match the helper's own experiences of pain.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants showed stronger skin conductance responses when experiencing pain compared to non-painful stimulation.
- Higher skin conductance responses when observing another's pain correlated with increased likelihood of helping.
- The match between self-experienced and vicarious pain responses predicted helping behavior.
Takeaway
When people see someone else in pain, their body reacts in a way that can help us understand if they will help that person later, even if it costs them something.
Methodology
Participants' skin conductance responses were measured while they either experienced pain or observed another person in pain, followed by a decision-making task about helping.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the participants being aware of the confederate's pain and the experimental setup.
Limitations
The study only included female participants, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Twenty female participants, average age 24.4 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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