Final answer:
Barriers to acting in an emergency include the bystander effect, lack of knowledge or skills, fear of legal consequences, and not feeling responsible, especially for strangers.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several barriers that can prevent someone from acting in an emergency. First, the bystander effect often discourages action, as individuals may rely on others to intervene. Second, people may fear that they lack the necessary skills or knowledge to help effectively. Third, there's the concern over legal repercussions or doing harm that can deter action. Lastly, people may not act if they feel it's not their responsibility, especially when they do not know the person in need.