Unpredictable needs are associated with lower expectations of repayment

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cresp.2023.100095
• Publication Date: 2023-03-12T00:49:32Z
• Authors: Diego Guevara Bel...; Denise Mercado; Jessica D. Ayers; Andrew Van Horn; Joe Alcock; Peter M. Todd; Lee Cronk; Athena Aktipis
• Keywords: Predictability; Sample (material); Replicate

Sometimes people help one another expecting to be repaid, while at other times without an expectation of repayment. What might underlie this difference in expectations repayment? We investigate question a nationally representative sample US adults (N = 915), and find that are more likely expect repayment when needs perceived predictable. then replicate these findings new 417), show have higher predictable because assign greater responsibility others for experiencing such (e.g., needing money utilities). This is consistent with previous work based on smaller-scale societies, which shows the predictability influences Our results also add by (1) showing positive relationship between previously found communities generalizable population, (2) attributions partially mediate relationship. need important factors underlying psychology helping need.