Effects of help-seeker’s predictions about helper’s emotions and costs of help-seeking intentions

Abstract

The present study examined effects of predictions made by a help-seeker about the emotions and costs of a helper on help-seeking behavior. We surveyed undergraduate and graduate students who completed a questionnaire and scenario task. The scenario presented that a person would face the trouble. The questionnaire presented a case where a person was troubled. Respondents were required to answer the following questions: (a) whether they would seek help; (b) whether the helper would respond to help-seeking; (c) the helper’s costs; (d) the negative moods of the helper. Covariance structure analysis of 189 participant responses revealed that help-seeker predictions about the helper’s emotions and costs were used to predict the intentions of the helper, which affected the intentions to seek help. We discuss these results with respect to interpersonal cognition in intimate relationships.