One of the many lessons learned from the horrific events in Boston during this past week associated with the bombings at the Boston Marathon is that helping others in need is a basic, positive, and rewarding need and experience. The many good people of Boston rallied in remarkable ways to care for those directly and indirectly impacted by the terror that griped the city throughout the week until the bombing brothers were identified and neutralized. And I would bet that those who tried their very best to care for the traumas (either physical or psychological) of others feel very good about their actions. Hopefully, it may also inspire them and everyone to make caring for and attending to the needs of others a regular habit as well if it isn’t already.
Sadly, sometimes it does take a terrible tragedy to bring out this compassionate, empathetic, and gracious quality in people. Social psychology research has revealed through numerous research studies that we often wish to affiliate when stressed and befriend others when significant traumas occurs (especial for females). One theory that well articulates some of these qualities is the “tend and befriend” effect (see Professor Nancy Dess’ Psychology Today blog on this notion for additional details at http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200009/tend-and-befriend). Social bonding and helping during trauma and high stress is a well established and positive quality in most people and it is one that we should try all that we can to nurture and encourage.
Of course, we likely all wish that motivations to help others would be a default option for people on a daily basis even when there are no major stressors or tragedies to cope with and manage. Yet it is certainly refreshing that when a terrible crisis hits and the stress level is very high so many people will come out of the woodwork to help those in need. And so often they learn in the process that they typically receive more than they give in terms of the satisfaction that comes with helping others.
So, the very best (and the very worst) of human behavior was on display in Boston this past week. While the two bombers behaved in ways that illustrated great evil and the very worst that humans are capable of, Bostonians put on a clinic on how to rally and help others in need. Perhaps we can all celebrate the goodness of others and find ways to keep that spirit going with or without a crisis at hand.
So, what do you think?