This is a continuation of my conversation with Dr. Stephanie Preston, and she covers what she means by an altruistic urge (we are hardwired to help when someone is clearly vulnerable, there isn't high risk, we have the skill, and we know we can make a difference). The bystander effect and burnout can be combatted by understanding this altruistic urge and recognizing that it is not empathy that leads to burnout but rather a lack of controllability. Dr. Stephanie Preston is a researcher of emotions and decision making, and she talks about how not displaying emotion is also a type of emotional contagion and is likely a consequence of the fact that we don't want to transmit out-of-control or negative emotions in a professional setting. It's a fascinating peek into altruism, empathy, and feelings. Dr. Stephanie D. Preston, PhD is Professor of Psychology and University of Michigan Faculty Ombuds. She received her PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. Her research is on the interface between emotion and decision making, focusing on how people process others’ emotions and how this affects offerings of help and on how people allocate resources. She has written a book titled, The Altruistic Urge: Why We’re Driven to Help Others.
