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Be a Better Bystander
Transforming Passive Observers into Active Responders
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Be a Better Bystander
Transforming Passive Observers into Active Responders
- Textbook
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Description
The nature of an emergency is complex; after all, emergencies “emerge” suddenly without warning and typically require immediate attention. Bystanders are often the first line of defense in these situations. Unfortunately, in many situations where help is needed such as health-related emergencies, bullying, sexual misconduct, and bias, the default is to not get involved. The goal of this book is to identify the many obstacles that prevent people from taking action, and then provide evidence-based helping strategies to transform passive bystanders into pro-active responders.
This timely and significant book, Be a Better Bystander: Transforming Passive Observers Into Active Responders, provides a toolbox of practical strategies for academic institutions, residence life personnel, diversity/education/inclusion educators, public health education advocates, and community activists. This book would also make a great supplemental text for courses in social psychology, health psychology, women's studies, and bias-related courses.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Background on Bystander Behavior
Chapter 2: Identifying Obstacles that Impede Bystander Helping
Section II: Transforming Passive Bystanders Into Active Responders
Chapter 3: Evidence-Based Strategies to Boost Bystander Behavior
Chapter 4: Confronting Alcohol- and Health-Related Emergencies
Chapter 5: Confronting Bullying and Cyberbullying in Schools
Chapter 6: Confronting Sexual Assault
Chapter 7: Confronting Bias
Chapter 8: Promoting Allyship
Product details
| Published | 05 Feb 2026 |
|---|---|
| Format | Ebook (Epub & Mobi) |
| Edition | 1st |
| Extent | 144 |
| ISBN | 9798881805920 |
| Imprint | Bloomsbury Academic |
| Illustrations | 8 b/w illustrations; 15 tables |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
About the contributors
Reviews
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I would describe it as a unique, scholarly perspective on bystander intervention. Could be used in crisis training, as well.
This book offers a fresh perspective on the role of a bystander, which is a topic that has not been extensively covered in existing literature. It introduces innovative concepts and frameworks that challenge traditional views and provide deeper insights into the dynamics of bystander behavior.
A more timely than ever, evidence-based toolkit that creates awareness of social dynamics that inhibit helping, and turns passive bystanders into active, effective responders by arming them with practical strategies applicable in both everyday and emergency situations.
This book has practical examples and follow-up trainings to address a variety of emergencies while guiding people in how to respond to emergencies/address common misconceptions.
It is a well-researched book presenting how a specific social psychology issue can impact various issues in our society, and it offers evidence-based and practical stratagies to people across different fields.
Depends on the colleague. For my social psych colleagues, I would explain that the book is a social psych chapter on helping with a beneficial and practical purpose. For colleagues who work with students who want to help others, I would explain that it is an evidence-based approach designed to help people increase the likelihood that they would intervene in different kinds of uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situations.
Ever found yourself questioning whether to speak up or take action, only to be weighed down by guilt afterward? You're not alone. You are not alone. Research shows there are a number of barriers that can prevent us from taking action and most importantly how to move past them. This book offers an empowering path forward to being a better bystander.





















