Psychology of Violence, Vol 15(4), Jul 2025, 406-415; doi:10.1037/vio0000569
Objective: Bystanders are important in the intimate partner violence (IPV) context because they can respond to incidents in a timely manner and prevent further harm. Extensive research has focused on bystanders to promote their prosocial intentions and actions; however, scarce research has focused on marginalized populations, such as people of color in non-Western contexts, despite cultural factors’ significant influence on bystander intervention. This study examined and conceptualized South Korean bystanders’ perspectives on intervention in IPV situations. Method: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted using focus group discussions. Twenty eligible participants were recruited and divided into four groups. A moderator facilitated the group discussions using an interview guide, and all discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed nearly verbatim. Data were analyzed using a critical realist-based thematic analysis. Results: Four themes emerged from the analysis: perceptions of IPV situations, personal beliefs and emotions regarding IPV, cultural influences, and approaches to bystander intervention. The final theme identified three approaches to bystander intervention: assessing the appropriate degree of involvement, intervention contingent on the victim’s willingness, and respecting the victim’s honor. Each strategy intersects with the other themes, leading to three causal hypotheses. Conclusions: Cultural norms, personal safety concerns, and perceptions of victims play an important role in shaping bystanders’ prosocial responses. Our findings provide valuable evidence for tailoring bystander education programs for application in South Korea and potentially other East Asian societies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)