The obligation to help: The effects of amount of prior help on subsequent helping behavior

Abstract The effect of prior help, over a wide range of values, on subsequent helping behavior was studied. The amount of reciprocated help was shown to be a monotonic increasing function of the amount of prior help. The results are consistent with social exchange theories and the findings of other studies. Possible limitations of the experimental situation used are discussed.

[1]  Peter M. Blau,et al.  Justice in Social Exchange , 1964 .

[2]  G. C. Homans,et al.  Social Behavior: Its Elementary Forms. , 1975 .

[3]  A. Tesser,et al.  Some determinants of gratitude. , 1968, Journal of personality and social psychology.

[4]  D. G. Pruitt,et al.  Reciprocity and credit building in a laboratory dyad. , 1968, Journal of personality and social psychology.

[5]  L. Berkowitz,et al.  AFFECTING THE SALIENCE OF THE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY NORM: EFFECTS OF PAST HELP ON THE RESPONSE TO DEPENDENCY RELATIONSHIPS. , 1964, Journal of abnormal psychology.

[6]  J. Schopler,et al.  THE POWER OF DEPENDENCE. , 1965, Journal of personality and social psychology.

[7]  E. Berscheid,et al.  When does a harm-doer compensate a victim? , 1967, Journal of personality and social psychology.

[8]  L. Berkowitz,et al.  Reciprocity and responsibility reactions to prior help. , 1966, Journal of personality and social psychology.

[9]  Leonard Berkowitz,et al.  Responsibility and dependency. , 1963 .