CATASTROPHE COMPASSION: DEMONSTRATING HELPING BEHAVIOUR DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

In line with existing literature on catastrophe compassion, the present study hypothesised that increased helping behaviour, specifically charitable giving and volunteering, will be demonstrated during the COVID-19 crisis that has necessitated greater helping behaviour. Using a framed field donation experiment, participants were primed with COVID-19-related words or neutral words through a free recall task before they considered a non-compulsory donation to the suggested charitable causes. Next, participants reported their helping behaviour 6 months before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and rated the importance of individual considerations and external antecedents in influencing their peri-pandemic helping behaviour. Results from a sample of 312 participants showed that there was increased charitable giving during the pandemic as compared to before, but less volunteering. Need for Help positively predicted charitable giving during the pandemic, with Coverage as an antagonistic moderator. On the other hand, individuals motivated by Resources and Opportunities were more likely to volunteer, with Need for Help enhancing individuals? willingness to volunteer if they were motivated by Opportunities. The small number of donors in the framed field donation experiment limited the comparison of donation behaviour between the two groups. The present study initiates the discussion on helping behaviour during this public health crisis.