Compassion for the stigmatized

There is a growing body of research in sociology and social psychology regarding the origins, dynamics, and consequences of prosocial behavior. Building upon research examining the sympathy-altruism hypothesis (Batson et al., 1989; Batson & Shaw, 1991; Batson et al., 1995; Batson, 1998; Eisenberg, et al., 1988; Eisenberg & Miller, 1987; Eisenberg, et al., 1988, 1989; Eisenberg & Fabes, 1990), this study investigated factors that may be associated with individual differences in compassionate response towards a member of a stigmatized outgroup, such as: (1) levels and types of private-self consciousness (rumination and reflection) and (2) implicit attitudes. The study then focused on the relationship of these factors to a willingness to help. Findings showed that a high level of reflection was positively and significantly related to study participants' willingness to help a member of a stigmatized outgroup.