Bystander interventions for promotion and prevention: Applying promotion science, motivation science, and behavioral science to upstanding

Abstract

The bystander intervention paradigm consists of upstanders preventing, mitigating, or responding to harm. The bystander intervention model (BIM) captures the decision-making process of bystanders: 1) notice harm; 2) interpret the situation; 3) assume responsibility; 4) select a strategy; and 5) take action (Latané & Darley, 1970). BIM has been applied to situations of safety (e.g., sexual assault, violence, cyber/bullying) and health (e.g., physical health, mental health). However, these bystander prevention opportunities do not reflect the full range of bystander opportunities, including promotion opportunities whereby upstanders can affirm desirable, safety-promoting or health-promoting behaviors. In this theoretical article, we adapt the prevention-oriented BIM by introducing promotion-oriented concepts associated with the intervention scope of promotion science, promotive focus of motivation science, and positive reinforcement of behavioral science. We propose the upstanding for promotion-prevention (UPP) model whereby promotion and prevention upstanders: 1) notice a promotion or a prevention opportunity; 2) interpret the situational degree of benefit or degree of harm; 3) assume responsibility as an ideal opportunity to enhance benefit or an obligation to stop harm; 4) select a promotion or prevention strategy; and 5) take action as an upstander using promotive or preventive prosocial bystander behavior. Additionally, we provide examples of UPP applications for safety (peace promotion – bullying prevention in schools) and health (health promotion – disease prevention in communities). Ultimately, we aim to advance a paradigm shift toward promotion upstanding, implicating bystander typologies, programs, and practices.