Behavioral consequences of money: When the automated teller machine reduces helping behavior

Abstract

Previous research found that the reminders about money increase social distance and solitary activity. In two studies conducted in field settings, the helping behavior of participants was observed. Passersby that just handled or not money at an automated teller machine were asked to participate in a short survey (Study 1) or have the opportunity to warn a female-confederate walking ahead of him/her that she dropped something on the ground (Study 2). In both studies, it was found that handling money several seconds earlier was associated with a decrease in helping behavior.