The Bystander Effect and Individual Differences Affecting a Person's Willingness to Physically and Verbally Intervene

Findings from two experiments show participants' perceived strength and aggressor/victim gender affect the bystander effect. Experiment 2 further showed participants reported a greater likelihood to verbally intervene, rather than physically intervene in these situations. Across both experiments, participants' familiarity with violent encounters also increased the likelihood they would intervene.