Q.20. Case Study:

Meenu’s conduct of expressing fondness for social service while not participating in any activities can be explained by several psychological factors:

• Pro-Social Behaviour: Meenu might have a genuine interest in social welfare but lacks the motivation to engage in pro-social behaviour due to personal circumstances or emotional barriers.
• Empathy and Mood Enhancement: While helping others can enhance mood and satisfaction, Meenu may not feel emotionally ready or capable of experiencing these benefits due to her own emotional state.
• Social and Materialistic Benefits: Although helping others is seen as commendable, Meenu might not perceive enough social or materialistic benefits to motivate her participation.
• Shyness or Social Anxiety: Meenu could be shy or suffer from social anxiety, which makes the prospect of engaging in social activities with an NGO intimidating.
• Avoidance: She might avoid social interactions due to past negative experiences or a desire to avoid the emotional labour associated with such activities.
• Lack of Information or Misunderstanding: Meenu may not fully understand the impact of her contribution or might lack information about how she can contribute in a way that aligns with her skills and comfort level.
• Inertia: She may have a passive attitude towards taking new initiatives, preferring to stick to her routine rather than trying new activities.
• Perceived Inefficacy: Meenu might feel that her individual efforts won’t make a significant difference, leading to a lack of action.
• Time and Hassle: The perceived effort and time commitment required for participating in NGO activities might be deterrents for Meenu.
• Stigma: There could be a fear of being stigmatized or judged by others for her involvement in certain social welfare activities.

In conclusion, Meenu’s lack of participation in social welfare activities, despite her expressed interest, could be due to a combination of psychological barriers, personal beliefs, and external factors. Understanding these reasons can help her friends and the NGO create a more supportive environment that encourages her active participation.