Leon Festinger’s Social Comparison Theory
- Hypotheses of the Social Comparison Theory. According to the social comparison theory, we have the drive to assess our opinions and abilities. ...
- Upward and Downward Comparisons. An upward comparison occurs when someone compares himself with others who are more capable than him.
- Two Types of Downward Comparison. ...
- Self-evaluation and self-enhancement. ...
What is Festinger’s comparison theory?
According to Festinger’s Social Comparison Theory, people who compare themselves with those who are similar to them typically produce accurate appraisals of their capabilities and beliefs. Comparisons are more sensible when the comparison target has the same aspects, such as gender or age, with the person making the comparison.
What is Festinger’s theory of self-evaluation?
In his theory, Festinger tackles the fundamentals of how a person forms beliefs and opinions about one’s own capabilities. According to him, human beings have the drive to assess their opinions and to know more about their abilities and when they are incapable of evaluating their opinions and abilities, they tend to compare themselves with others.
What is Festinger's second theory of cognitive dissonance?
The second theory of L. Festinger, also fundamental in social psychology, is the theory of cognitive dissonance. This theory states that a feeling of dissonance is generated in us when our beliefs conflict with what we do.
What is Leon Festinger’s hypothesis?
Leon Festinger mentioned his hypotheses in his book entitled Social Comparison Processes that gives substantial exploration of his theory. His first hypothesis states that “there exist, in the human organism, a drive to evaluate his opinions and abilities.”.
What is the concept of social comparison theory?
the proposition that people evaluate their abilities and attitudes in relation to those of others in a process that plays a significant role in self-image and subjective well-being.
What is social comparison theory example?
For example, a music student might compare herself to the star student of the class. If she finds that her abilities do not measure up to her peer's talents, she might be driven to achieve more and improve her abilities.
What are the types of social comparison theory?
There are two major types of social comparison: upward comparison, when people compare themselves to people who are better than they are, and downward comparison, when people compare themselves to those who are less proficient than they are. Both upward and downward comparisons have strengths and weaknesses.
What is downward social comparison theory?
The theory of downward comparison posits that persons experiencing negative affect can enhance their subjective well-being through comparison with a less fortunate other, the process occurring on either a passive or active basis.
What is social comparison in your own words?
Social comparison is the act of contrasting one's own life with the lives of other people as they are publicly represented.
Why is the concept of social comparison important to human behavior?
We use social comparison to determine the accuracy and appropriateness of our thoughts, feelings, and behavior. When we are able to compare ourselves favorably with others through downward social comparison, we feel good about ourselves.
Who is the founder of social comparison theory?
Social comparison theory, initially proposed by social psychologist Leon Festinger in 1954, centers on the belief that there is a drive within individuals to gain accurate self-evaluations.
What are the benefits of social comparison?
Types of Social ComparisonCan increase positive affect.Can decrease negative moods.Can increase optimism about the future.Can enhance self-esteem.Can increase relationship satisfaction.
What is social comparison theory PDF?
Social comparison theory refers to an individual's tendency to compare their abilities and status with others (Festinger, 1954). The experiences, judgments, and behaviours of peers is an essential part of social comparison theory (Corcoran et al., 2011) .
What is the difference between upward and downward social comparison?
Social comparison can be upward or downward in nature. Upward comparison occurs when people compare themselves to someone they perceive to be superior (Wheeler, 1966), whereas a downward comparison is defined by making a comparison with someone perceived to be inferior (Wills, 1981).
What is an example of downward social comparison?
In contrast, downward social comparisons involve comparing oneself to someone else perceived as “lesser” or “worse”. For example, this could look like reading a post about someone moving to a new house or apartment and thinking “my house is so much larger/more attractive/more expensive etc. than their house is”.
Which of the following is an example of downward social comparison?
Downward comparison is when an individual compares themselves to someone who is considered beneath them. An example of this would be when a person who has worked hard to attain some knowledge now views those without that knowledge as inferior.
Who developed the social comparison theory?
Leon Festinger ’s Social Comparison Theory. Leon Festinger developed the Social Comparison Theory and published his first journal on the theory in the Journal of Human Relations in 1954.
How does motivation play a role in social comparison theory?
Motivation plays a role in the social comparison theory and is manifested by self-evaluation and self-enhancement. Self-evaluation occurs when someone looks for positive traits in himself based on the best person he compares himself with. Self-enhancement, on the other hand, occurs when someone questions which aspects of himself need ...
What are the two types of social comparison?
According to the social comparison theory, there are two types of comparison: Upward comparison. Downward comparison. An upward comparison occurs when someone compares himself with others who are more capable than him. A downward comparison occurs when someone compares himself with others who are less capable than him.
What is passive downward comparison?
active downward comparison. Passive downward comparison occurs when someone compares himself to someone who is less capable in order to make himself feel better.
Why does the inclination to equate oneself with others diminish?
In addition, the inclination to equate oneself with other people diminishes as the difference between their beliefs and capabilities become more significant. Festinger further suggested that comparing oneself with others can result in weights of uniformity.
When did psychologists start making social comparisons?
Since 1954 , psychologists have made additions and tweaks to the idea of Social Comparison. One of the most notable additions is the definition of upward and downward social comparisons. As I mentioned earlier, this process may be different at different moments in our life.
Who is Leon Festinger?
Leon Festinger contributed some of the most important theories to social psychology. His work has changed the way we understand attitude formation and social thinking.
What is upward social comparison?
Upward social comparison is the process of looking to people who we believe are in a “better” position than us. This may be a great basketball player, someone with more money, or a person who always has a smile on their face. We don’t do this to feel bad about ourselves. We do this because we believe that we can be better, and we look to these role models for guidance on how to do so. When you read biographies of a millionaire or watch your favorite player practice drills, you are engaging in upward social comparison.
How has social media changed the way we compare ourselves to others?
Social media has significantly changed the way that we compare ourselves to others. People put their best foot forward on their platforms, making their lives look more fun or successful than they really are. When you compare yourself to an unrealistic picture of someone’ s life, you are more likely to feel that you are “behind” or not doing so well. Remember this when you are scrolling. It’s natural for us to compare ourselves to others - that’s what the Social Comparison Theory is all about. But when we are inundated with unrealistic images and videos, our ability to form opinions or self-evaluate may be compromised.
What Is Social Comparison Theory?
Social Comparison Theory was first proposed by social psychologist, Leon Festinger in 1954. He suggested that we use other people as a way to measure our abilities and worth.
The Benefits of Comparison
There are some benefits to comparison, too. For example, if we compare ourselves to people who are doing worse than us, it can give us a sense of satisfaction and boost our self-esteem. Alternatively, if we compare ourselves to people who are doing better than us, this can challenge us to do better and improve our skills!
Comparison, and Bias
When we compare ourselves with others, it is important to remember that we are not always looking at things objectively. This is because when we compare ourselves with others, we are often biased towards the person we are comparing ourselves to.
The Dangers of Comparison
However, comparison can also have negative effects on our mental health. For example, when we compare ourselves with others and find that we are not as good as them, this can lead to feelings of inferiority and low self-esteem.
How Can I Stop Comparing Myself To Others?
Stopping comparison and social media from hurting your self-esteem is easier than you may think – it just takes some simple changes to the ways that we use these tools!
Social Comparison Theory In The World Of Competition
As we have seen, social comparison theory is a complex concept that can have both positive and negative effects on our mental health. This is because when done correctly, comparison can be a great way to motivate us to do better. However, when we compare ourselves with others in an unhealthy way, it can lead to feelings of envy and self-doubt.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, social comparison theory is a complex concept that can have both positive and negative effects on our mental health. When done correctly, comparison can be a great way to motivate us to do better. However, when we compare ourselves with others in an unhealthy way, it can lead to feelings of envy and self-doubt.
What is social comparison theory?
Social Comparison Theory. People constantly evaluate themselves, and others, in domains like attractiveness, wealth, intelligence, and success. According to some studies, as much as 10 percent of our thoughts involve comparisons of some kind. Social comparison theory is the idea that individuals determine their own social ...
Who developed the theory of self-comparing?
The theory was developed in 1954 by psychologist Leon Festinger. Later research has shown that people who regularly compare themselves to others may find motivation to improve, but may also experience feelings of deep dissatisfaction, guilt, or remorse, and engage in destructive behaviors like lying or disordered eating.
Why are comparisons likelier to make us feel bad?
Comparisons are likelier to make us feel bad when we make the error of only comparing ourselves to paragons of certain traits. For example, many people believe they have a less active social life than others. But when making such comparisons, people tend to compare themselves only to the most social people they know.
How can social comparison be beneficial?
Created with Sketch. Social comparison can be highly beneficial when people use social networks to push themselves. In a study, friendly competition was highly effective in pushing people to exercise more, as peers pushed each other to keep up and do more. In such a "social ratchet effect," each person’s activity generates more activity ...
Why is it important to compare yourself to others?
The Benefits of Comparison. When individuals compare themselves to others as a way of measuring their personal development or to motivate themselves to improve and, in the process, develop a more positive self-image, comparisons can be beneficial. It takes discipline, however, to avoid the pitfalls of negative comparison.
Background
How Social Comparison Process Works
- The social comparison process involves people coming to know themselves by evaluating their own attitudes, abilities, and traits in comparison with others. In most cases, we try to compare ourselves to those in our peer group or with whom we are similar.2 There are two kinds of social comparison—upward social comparison and downward social comparison.
Examples
- According to Festinger, people rely on these comparisons with other people to accurately assess their own abilities, traits, and attitudes. In cases where your comparisons are not effective, you might find yourself getting into situations that are too difficult or complex for your current skill levels.1 For example, when you compare yourself to your friends you might feel that you are pr…
A Word from Verywell
- Social comparison not only plays a role in the judgments that people make about themselves but also in the way that people behave. As you compare yourself to others, consider how both upward and downward social comparison might influence your self-belief, confidence, motivation, and attitude, and watch out for negative feelings that might emerge as a result of this process.
Hypotheses of The Social Comparison Theory
Upward and Downward Comparisons
- According to the social comparison theory, there are two types of comparison: 1. Upward comparison 2. Downward comparison An upward comparisonoccurs when someone compares himself with others who are more capable than him. A downward comparisonoccurs when someone compares himself with others who are less capable than him. A highly motivated pers…
Two Types of Downward Comparison
- In a journal article published in 1981, Thomas Wills further divided downward comparison into two subtypes: 1. passive downward comparison 2. active downward comparison Passive downward comparison occurs when someone compares himself to someone who is less capable in order to make himself feel better. For example, a student who gets C in Math may compare himself to so…
Self-Evaluation and Self-Enhancement
- Motivation plays a role in the social comparison theory and is manifested by self-evaluation and self-enhancement. Self-evaluation occurs when someone looks for positive traits in himself based on the best person he compares himself with. Self-enhancement, on the other hand, occurs when someone questions which aspects of himself need to be improved in order to reach the level of …