The upstanding for promotion–prevention (UPP) program: A motivation science approach to encourage active bystanding

Abstract

Social problems and harmful behaviors can be prevented or mitigated when active bystanders intervene to help. As a result, prevention bystander intervention programs aim to prevent problems related to safety (e.g., sexual violence), health (e.g., injury or death), and justice (e.g., racial discrimination). In contrast, promotion bystander intervention programs aim to promote aspirations and desirable behaviors. This reality led us to develop an integrative Upstanding for Promotion-Prevention (UPP) program based on the decision-making steps of a revised bystander intervention model (i.e., notice an opportunity; interpret the situation; assume responsibility; select a promotion or prevention strategy; take action: Latané & Darley, 1970; McCarty, Arnold, Booker, Pacqué, & Liskey, 2021). Program participants experience a promotion track or prevention track to impact either the promoting pathway by changing assets or the protecting pathway by addressing risks and protective factors. The UPP program offers a motivation science approach to encourage upstanders to promote benefit and prevent harm in schools and on college campuses, within workplaces, online, and throughout communities. Ultimately, existing prevention bystander programs could adopt promotion elements to address safety through peace promotion and violence prevention, health through health promotion and disease prevention, and justice through antiracism promotion and racism prevention.