The Influence of Emotion and Empathy on Decisions to Help Others

Many decisions to help others are made in emotionally associated circumstances. Empathy is known motivate prosocial behavior. However, no studies have investigated the interaction between empathy and emotion deciding others. In total, 151 students scoring either high or low viewed three types of emotional clips (anger vs. sadness neutrality) completed “Help for Another Study” task. Analysis variance showed that participants chose invest more time helping when they felt than anger. Participants with spend those empathy. Pearson’s correlation revealed a significant positive perspective-taking, empathic concern, willingness assistance under anger state; perspective-taking fantasy were significantly correlated state. The results suggest both (i.e., sadness) trait empathy) vital motivators exert impact on decisions.