6 answers
Beatriz
Student
Teresina, PI
1
Question
Asked
481 views
Where’s the people who need us?
I’m a psychology estudant who adore help people. I think s necessary be available with our society. #society
#help
6 answers
Dr. Carolyn Cowl-Witherspoon
Social Psychologist, Executive Director, Psychological Coach, Consultant
16
Answers
Richmond, Texas
Updated
Dr. Carolyn’s Answer
A lot of people want to help others, but they struggle to figure out how to be helpful, and where to find people who may need their help. Getting an education in psychology is a great first step because it provides you with an important foundation for understanding human behavior. If you can understand something about human behavior, then you can understand more about how to change human behavior.
When I was in college for my bachelor's degree, all students were required to be a participant in one psychological experiment. I selected an experiment that was supposed to be about how efficiently students could memorize something. I was shown into a large room with about 30 students, and I was handed a piece of paper that had a paragraph written on it. I was told that I needed to memorize the paragraph. I read the paragraph slowly, and it was about how important it was to help people in need. The paragraph also said that as a society, and as individuals, we needed to look around all the time and be aware of people who might be in need, and that we should to be ready to step in and help. It was a simple paragraph and I had it memorized pretty quickly. Once we had memorized the paragraph, we told them we were ready. Then we were told that when our names were called, one by one, we had to go out of that room and walk across an outdoor courtyard, into another room, where we had to recite the paragraph to the researchers who are waiting for us.
I waited until my name was called, and I walked out of the room and into the courtyard. I looked ahead to see what room I had to enter, and I noticed out of the corner of my eye that there was a man slumped against the wall. He didn't look very good. After hesitating for a minute, since I knew I was supposed to go into that room and recite my paragraph, I decided it was probably more important to go help the man who looked like he really needed some help.
I went up to him and asked him if he was okay. He didn't respond, so I gently touched his shoulder. I asked him again if he was okay and if he needed help. This time, in a quiet voice, he said he was fine, and he thanked me for stopping to check on him. He told me to continue on into the room so that I could recite my paragraph. At the time, I didn't think it was odd that he knew that I had to go recite a paragraph in another room. I was just focused on getting into that room to recite my paragraph before I forgot it.
Interestingly, the entire psychological experiment that I had participated in that day had nothing to do with memorization. The paragraph we were required to memorize was just a prompt to get us to think about helping others who might be in need. The real focus of the experiment was whether or not anyone would notice the man in the courtyard (who was a part of the research team in disguise), and if they would try to stop and help him. I found out later that I was the only student who had stopped to try and help him. Out of 30 students, I was the only one. I'm sure the other people participating in the experiment were good people who probably thought about helping others. They were all dutifully memorizing their paragraph about noticing others who may need help, but when it came time to put that knowledge into action, they just didn't do it.
I share the story with you because it helped me to understand that what people want to do is not always what they actually will do. Wanting to help is a great first step. Learning about psychology is another great step. But ultimately, to really help people in need, all we have to do is look around, notice, and act. Good luck!
When I was in college for my bachelor's degree, all students were required to be a participant in one psychological experiment. I selected an experiment that was supposed to be about how efficiently students could memorize something. I was shown into a large room with about 30 students, and I was handed a piece of paper that had a paragraph written on it. I was told that I needed to memorize the paragraph. I read the paragraph slowly, and it was about how important it was to help people in need. The paragraph also said that as a society, and as individuals, we needed to look around all the time and be aware of people who might be in need, and that we should to be ready to step in and help. It was a simple paragraph and I had it memorized pretty quickly. Once we had memorized the paragraph, we told them we were ready. Then we were told that when our names were called, one by one, we had to go out of that room and walk across an outdoor courtyard, into another room, where we had to recite the paragraph to the researchers who are waiting for us.
I waited until my name was called, and I walked out of the room and into the courtyard. I looked ahead to see what room I had to enter, and I noticed out of the corner of my eye that there was a man slumped against the wall. He didn't look very good. After hesitating for a minute, since I knew I was supposed to go into that room and recite my paragraph, I decided it was probably more important to go help the man who looked like he really needed some help.
I went up to him and asked him if he was okay. He didn't respond, so I gently touched his shoulder. I asked him again if he was okay and if he needed help. This time, in a quiet voice, he said he was fine, and he thanked me for stopping to check on him. He told me to continue on into the room so that I could recite my paragraph. At the time, I didn't think it was odd that he knew that I had to go recite a paragraph in another room. I was just focused on getting into that room to recite my paragraph before I forgot it.
Interestingly, the entire psychological experiment that I had participated in that day had nothing to do with memorization. The paragraph we were required to memorize was just a prompt to get us to think about helping others who might be in need. The real focus of the experiment was whether or not anyone would notice the man in the courtyard (who was a part of the research team in disguise), and if they would try to stop and help him. I found out later that I was the only student who had stopped to try and help him. Out of 30 students, I was the only one. I'm sure the other people participating in the experiment were good people who probably thought about helping others. They were all dutifully memorizing their paragraph about noticing others who may need help, but when it came time to put that knowledge into action, they just didn't do it.
I share the story with you because it helped me to understand that what people want to do is not always what they actually will do. Wanting to help is a great first step. Learning about psychology is another great step. But ultimately, to really help people in need, all we have to do is look around, notice, and act. Good luck!
K Parker
Communications
6
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
K’s Answer
Hi Beatriz! It's so awesome that you love to help people and you're right! We definitely need more kindness and to help one another more. I think the pandemic has really highlighted the importance of community and helping those in need. If your question has to do with how to help others, I think there are several ways you could consider lending a hand. Since you're a psych major, have you considered either volunteering or launching a mental health club at your school? Mental health issues continue to be stigmatized when we don't talk about them so providing an inclusive, safe forum to spotlight resources and sharing, would be incredible. You could also seek out virtual or in-person related volunteer opportunities for community groups (e.g.: domestic abuse centers, suicide prevention hotlines); they usually provide training for you and are always looking for good, dependable people. Even on a daily basis, helping someone might be as simple as helping a neighbor who has limited mobility with a grocery delivery, retrieving their mail, complimenting someone on their outfit, buying the person's coffee behind you in a coffee line. Helping others doesn't have to be a grand gesture; just one from the heart. Best wishes!
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1792
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
People that need our help are all around us. Even though you can't offer counseling, you can practice actively listening to those around you and giving them permission to process their emotions if they come up. A kind word and a listening ear go a long way in helping others out.
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
275
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Wonderful that you want to help people. I believe you will find opportunities to do that almost everywhere and throughout your life. If you haven't already, start with small things like telling a cashier or service person that you appreciate what they do. Share your smile with everyone!
Volunteer for a variety of organizations so you can get a feel for what causes or activities you feel passionate about. You can enhance your resume through volunteer experience, but most of all you will gain perspective and know that you are making a difference in this wonderful world.
With every good wish!
Volunteer for a variety of organizations so you can get a feel for what causes or activities you feel passionate about. You can enhance your resume through volunteer experience, but most of all you will gain perspective and know that you are making a difference in this wonderful world.
With every good wish!
Alexei Koniaiev
Business Operations Manager
3
Answers
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Updated
Alexei’s Answer
Hi Beatriz,
If I understand you question, you would like to be helpful (in all means of this word)
There are many ways of helping another human being, it may be something as simple as smile to someone you don't know in the street. Also listen, talk, make a gift (maybe a homeless person?), attend a suicide line, you name it.
Hope this helps!
If I understand you question, you would like to be helpful (in all means of this word)
There are many ways of helping another human being, it may be something as simple as smile to someone you don't know in the street. Also listen, talk, make a gift (maybe a homeless person?), attend a suicide line, you name it.
Hope this helps!
Serena Leung
International Investment Associate Director
38
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Serena’s Answer
Hi Beatriz,
it is incredibly thoughtful of you to think of ways in contributing to the society with your expertise,
our community will certainly thrive with more young talents like you.
There are multiple ways for you to share your skills with those in need,
your knowledge in psychology is greatly valued especially at volunteering -
hotlines that allow people to dial in to share their frustration,
texting hotlines that allow people who feel more comfortable to voice out via texting,
research for these help hotlines volunteering organizations online such as Lifeline and Crisis Text Line.
These organizations will normally require their volunteers to complete a training,
once completed, you can be part of their workforce and help those in need with the organization.
Your input with your expertise will be of great application to the needful,
this is also a great experience for you to gain more interactions with the real world -
further enhancing your resume when you look to apply for further studies or jobs in the psychology field
and beyond in the future.
Good luck! :)
Regards,
Serena
it is incredibly thoughtful of you to think of ways in contributing to the society with your expertise,
our community will certainly thrive with more young talents like you.
There are multiple ways for you to share your skills with those in need,
your knowledge in psychology is greatly valued especially at volunteering -
hotlines that allow people to dial in to share their frustration,
texting hotlines that allow people who feel more comfortable to voice out via texting,
research for these help hotlines volunteering organizations online such as Lifeline and Crisis Text Line.
These organizations will normally require their volunteers to complete a training,
once completed, you can be part of their workforce and help those in need with the organization.
Your input with your expertise will be of great application to the needful,
this is also a great experience for you to gain more interactions with the real world -
further enhancing your resume when you look to apply for further studies or jobs in the psychology field
and beyond in the future.
Good luck! :)
Regards,
Serena
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