The Impact of Focused Attention Is Crucial in Promoting Prosocial Behavior ; An Interdisciplinary Perspective from Optometry and Psychology

Perspective from Optometry and Psychology

Abstract

Background: Evolutionary psychology research suggests that eye images alone could promote prosocial behavior.

Objectives: To determine whether an active observation of the eyes is necessary to effectively promote prosocial behavior or not.

Methodology: A multicentered cross sectional study was conducted to examine the effect of visual images on prosocial behavior using purposive a non-probability sampling technique. An optometrist performed a thorough eye examination to evaluate the visual health and screen out any probable vision issues. Concurrently, a psychological assessment was conducted to screen for psychological disorders, guaranteeing that the trial would only involve healthy participants. One of three situations was demonstrated to each participant while they had to type a specific 15-letter word: an image of monitoring eyes (direct stare), an image of non-looking eyes (averted gaze), or an image of flowers (which served as the control condition). Participants were given a rigorous cognitive activity to complete after being exposed to the stimuli, which involved choosing whether or not to help another individual.

Results: The study included a total of 30 candidate with mean age of 24.0 ± 2.20 years. Among the subjects, 26 (86.66%) people in the control group mistook when they saw the image of the flower, and 19 (63.33%) people failed when they saw images of averted eyes. It's interesting to note that when participants were shown photographs of direct staring eyes, just 2 (6.66%) out of 30 made mistakes. This implies that people who had a direct view made significantly less mistakes than people who had the other conditions. Surprisingly, only 12 people finished the task in the control condition, while 18 people finished with their sight averted. All completed the assignment with direct gaze. Individuals' emotional states such as enjoyable, nervous, anxious and natural was also associated with reminder of reputation in regards of different gazes.

Conclusion: Study concluded that direct gaze considerably enhances cognitive accuracy, when compared to averted gaze or control situations. The direction of gaze encountered influences emotional responses such as enjoyment, nervousness, anxious and being natural. The findings highlight the influence of social cues on emotional and cognitive states.