Social prediction errors in assisting strangers: the role of outcomes and contexts.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Helping behavior is a fundamental aspect of social interaction, yet little is known about how accurately helpers can predict the emotional responses of help-seekers, particularly when interacting with strangers.

Methods

This study investigated social prediction errors in helping behavior between strangers and examined how outcomes and contexts influence these errors. In three scenario-based experiments, we assessed helpers' predictions and help-seekers' evaluations of gratitude, satisfaction, enthusiasm, and competence across different helping situations.

Results

Our findings reveal consistent underestimation of help-seekers' positive emotions by helpers, with the degree of underestimation varying based on the outcomes and contexts of the helping behavior

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12402666 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature