Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe commonalities and differences between Taiwanese and American Caucasian graduate students regarding conceptions of helping: A modified constant comparative analysis was applied to transcripts of in-depth interviews. Common conceptions included the identification of two forms of help, tangible and intangible, characteristics of helpers and the helping relationship, the impact of helping on helpees, the interchangeable roles and responsibilities ofhelper and helpee, helping as a holistic unit in a supportive context, and the ultimate goal for helping. Major differences were found in the participants' emphasis on cognition, affect, and behavior with an effective helping, negative emotions associated with having problems, reasons and attitudes for seeking informal and formal help, and participants' conceptions of helpers' credentials.