Psychology in action: The need for bystander intervention programs to reduce public harms.

Abstract

The current social climate in America is replete with reports of tragic events that could have been prevented. Our nation seems to be facing an unrelenting stream of problems without solutions. This article introduces a special section on active bystandership, which proposes more optimistic ways forward. Citing social science research and program examples, we describe the nature of active bystandership and the ways it can be mobilized to prevent harms and save lives. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).