We are most likely to help in an emergency ________.

A) if we have no fear of negative evaluation for offering help
B) when we are in a bad mood
C) when there are others around who are passive and refuse to get involved
D) if we don't feel empathy for the person involved

Fear of negative evaluation by others can be a major barrier to helping behavior. When we feel that offering help will not result in negative evaluation or judgement by others, we are more likely to offer help in an emergency. Research has shown that the presence of witnesses, who may negatively evaluate our actions, can significantly reduce the likelihood of helpful behavior.