People act when they feel obliged. Prosocial intentions toward Ukrainian refugees in Poland during the first two weeks of the war in Ukraine

Key Points

• This research examines how personal obligation influences support for Ukrainian refugees during a crisis.
• Analyzed reactions to the refugee crisis in Poland during the first two weeks of the war.
• Evaluated the relationship between personal obligation and prosocial intentions.
• Considered the role of individualizing morality in motivating support.
• Highlighting personal obligation significantly increased prosocial intentions to help refugees.
• Personal obligation had a stronger effect on support than individualizing morality.
• Findings suggest that invoking a sense of duty can motivate action during humanitarian crises.