Social comparison theory is the idea that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others. The theory was developed in 1954 by psychologist Leon Festinger
Leon Festinger
Leon Festinger was an American social psychologist, perhaps best known for cognitive dissonance and social comparison theory. His theories and research are credited with renouncing the previously dominant behaviorist view of social psychology by demonstrating the inadequacy of …
Full Answer
What is the social comparison theory?
The social comparison theory was proposed by the social psychologist Leon Festinger in 1954. The theory is a term referring to the “process through which people come to know themselves by evaluating their own attitudes, abilities, and beliefs in comparison with others” (Cherry, n.d.).
What does social comparison theory mean?
What does social comparison theory mean? Social comparison theory states that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others. People sometimes compare themselves to others as a way of fostering self-improvement, self-motivation, and a positive self-image.
What is social comparison in psychology?
Social comparison is thus a critical psychological phenomenon essential to understanding both social behavior and formation of identity. To this end, individuals look to similar others to evaluate their own abilities and opinions, look to those better than themselves for inspiration and guidance, and evaluate others depending on similarities ...
What are social comparisons?
Social comparison is the act of contrasting one’s own life with the lives of other people as they are publicly represented. When people believe that the represented lives of others are superior to their own, social comparison can lead to issues caused by the fear of missing out , including anxiety, depression and a lack of self-esteem.
What do you mean by social comparison theory?
Social comparison theory is the idea that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others. The theory was developed in 1954 by psychologist Leon Festinger.
What are the three types of social comparison theory?
Three types of social comparison are proposed in the theory: (a) upward social comparison, or comparing oneself with someone judged to be better than oneself (e.g., by having more wealth or material goods, higher social standing, greater physical attractiveness); (b) downward social comparison, or comparing oneself ...
What is the main argument of the social comparison theory?
The social comparison theory is the belief that media influence, social status, and other forms of competitiveness can affect our self-esteem and mood. In turn, this can affect individuals outlook on themselves and how they fit in with others.
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 are assumptions of social comparison theory?
The traditional assumption has been that upward comparisons make people feel worse about themselves and that downward comparisons make them feel better, but research has revealed that both types of comparisons can be either inspiring or dispiriting.
Why is social comparison important?
Intuitively, it seems that social comparison plays an important role in allowing people to both learn about themselves and assess their social environment. Festinger's (1954) social comparison theory captures this phenomenon, proposing that people continuously compare their own situation to that of their peers.
Which theory is also known as comparison theory?
Social comparison theory was first proposed by Leon Festinger in 1954 and states that individuals are continually evaluating themselves in order to assess their own standing on a wide range of characteristics. Festinger's original theory was based on insight.
What does social comparison theory say and why is it important to understand yourself?
The social comparison theory began when Leon Festinger, an American social psychologist, suggested that people constantly seek honest self-evaluations and therefore start to compare themselves to those around them to gain more clarity. This comparison may build their sense of identity or self-worth.
What are the effects of social comparison?
The social comparison orientation in social networking sites could elicit negative emotions, which decrease perceived social support, self-esteem, and psychological well-being. Theoretical and practical implications as well as suggestions for future studies are discussed in detail.
What are the 3 of comparison?
There are three degrees of comparison, positive (or negative), comparative, and superlative. Definition: If you are talking about only one thing, you can't really compare, but if the word modified possesses that characteristic, it is used in the positive.
What are the 3 of comparison?
There are three degrees of comparison, positive (or negative), comparative, and superlative. Definition: If you are talking about only one thing, you can't really compare, but if the word modified possesses that characteristic, it is used in the positive.
How many types of social comparison are there?
2 There are two kinds of social comparison—upward social comparison and downward social comparison.
What are the three points of comparison?
What Are the Main Points Used to Write a Comparison Essay?Similarities & Differences. A comparison essay requires you to look at the differences and similarities of the two or more elements you will evaluate in your essay. ... Thesis Statement. ... Structure. ... Conclusion.
What are the three kinds of possible comparison?
They are used to show what is different or similar about two or more things. There are three kinds of possible comparisons: equal, comparative and superlative.
How can comparison help you?
Social comparison can be highly beneficial when people use social networks to push themselves . In a study, friendly competition was highly effe...
Is it better to compare yourself to those doing better or worse than you are?
People generally engage in either upward or downward comparisons. In upward comparisons, we compare ourselves with those we believe are better than...
Can envy ever be a positive emotion?
Envy is usually an unpleasant feeling that can lead to brooding, resentment, or even violence. Some psychologists, however, have suggested that peo...
Why can comparisons make people 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...
Is social media harmful to self-esteem?
Constantly checking social-media feeds full of images from parties, concerts, or other aspirational events can diminish self-esteem and contribut...
How can I stop comparing myself to others?
To be less vulnerable to painful comparisons, notice the people or events that prompt the behavior. Commit to being deeply grateful for what’s go...
What’s the better-than-average effect?
It's been widely proven that people tend to believe that they are above average when it comes to desirable traits such as intelligence . But thi...
Are men or women more likely to think they’re better than average?
Two-thirds of Americans believe their intelligence is above average, but men are much more likely to inflate themselves than women; in surveys, m...
Why do narcissists need to outdo everyone else?
Grandiosity is a core trait of many individuals high in narcissism . But seeing themselves as superior also requires seeing everyone else as bene...
How can comparison help you?
Social comparison can be highly beneficial when people use social networks to push themselves . In a study, friendly competition was highly effe...
Is it better to compare yourself to those doing better or worse than you are?
People generally engage in either upward or downward comparisons. In upward comparisons, we compare ourselves with those we believe are better than...
Can envy ever be a positive emotion?
Envy is usually an unpleasant feeling that can lead to brooding, resentment, or even violence. Some psychologists, however, have suggested that peo...
Why can comparisons make people 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...
Is social media harmful to self-esteem?
Constantly checking social-media feeds full of images from parties, concerts, or other aspirational events can diminish self-esteem and contribut...
How can I stop comparing myself to others?
To be less vulnerable to painful comparisons, notice the people or events that prompt the behavior. Commit to being deeply grateful for what’s go...
What’s the better-than-average effect?
It's been widely proven that people tend to believe that they are above average when it comes to desirable traits such as intelligence . But thi...
Are men or women more likely to think they’re better than average?
Two-thirds of Americans believe their intelligence is above average, but men are much more likely to inflate themselves than women; in surveys, m...
Why do narcissists need to outdo everyone else?
Grandiosity is a core trait of many individuals high in narcissism . But seeing themselves as superior also requires seeing everyone else as bene...
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 ...
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 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.
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.
How many men are smarter than women?
Created with Sketch. Two-thirds of Americans believe their intelligence is above average, but men are much more likely to inflate themselves than women; in surveys, more than 70 percent of men state that they are smarter than average, compared to about 60 percent of women, and they are much more likely to “strongly agree” ...
How to be less vulnerable to painful comparisons?
To be less vulnerable to painful comparisons, notice the people or events that prompt the behavior. Commit to being deeply grateful for what’s good in your own life. And remember that the human propensity to want what others have is such a waste of time, unless what you see and “covet” in another is something of deep worth, such as their generosity or kindness.
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.
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 is the idea that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others. 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.
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 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.
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.
How many men are smarter than women?
Created with Sketch. Two-thirds of Americans believe their intelligence is above average, but men are much more likely to inflate themselves than women; in surveys, more than 70 percent of men state that they are smarter than average, compared to about 60 percent of women, and they are much more likely to “strongly agree” ...
Why do people compare themselves to others?
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.
How to be less vulnerable to painful comparisons?
To be less vulnerable to painful comparisons, notice the people or events that prompt the behavior. Commit to being deeply grateful for what’s good in your own life. And remember that the human propensity to want what others have is such a waste of time, unless what you see and “covet” in another is something of deep worth, such as their generosity or kindness.
Who developed the social comparison theory?
History of Social Comparison Theory. The concept of social comparison was first termed and fully developed by Festinger (1954), who hypothesized that we are unable to self-judge our opinions and abilities accurately and instead rely on comparing ourselves to other people to form an evaluation.
Why is social comparison important?
Social comparison can be useful because it provides us with a way to determine ...
What is downward social comparison?
When we engage in upward social comparison, we compare ourselves to someone who is (perceived to be or performing) better than we are. In contrast, when we engage in downward social comparison, we compare ourselves to someone who is (perceived to be or performing) worse than we are.
How does assimilation affect contrast?
A good way to think about the relationship between contrastive and assimilative comparisons is that contrast increases the distance between the comparison person and us and assimilation reduces the gap.
How to refrain from social comparisons?
If you struggle to refrain from social comparisons, try to reframe the social comparisons so that you can express gratitude. Also, when trying to identify someone as a comparison person, instead, use an ‘abstract’ comparison point like the one that Adler and Fagley (2005) used when measuring appreciation:
Which authors argue that people with certain personality types are more likely to make social comparisons?
Buunk and Gibbons (2007) argue that people with certain personality types are more likely to make social comparisons.
What are the three drives of social comparison?
Festinger (1954) proposed that social comparison was driven by a need to evaluate ourselves so that we had more information about ourselves; however, more recent theory suggests that social comparison is motivated by three drives (Gibbons & Buunk, 1999): Self-evaluation . Self-improvement. Self-enhancement.
What Is Social Comparison Theory?
An American psychologist Leon Festinger created the Social Comparison Theory to explain the innate drive to compare themselves to others. Why we compare ourselves, how this process happens, and the results of the comparison may vary depending on your situation.
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.
How do we compare ourselves to others?
Let’s talk about how we compare ourselves to others. In Festinger’s paper on Social Comparison Theory, he writes that we tend to compare ourselves to people similar to us. We may choose to look to someone who is the same age, gender, or who had a similar upbringing. It doesn’t make sense to form an opinion of ourselves based on the life and accomplishments of a person completely different than us. According to Festinger, we prefer to compare apples to apples.
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 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.
Is it easy to form an opinion?
It’s not always easy to form an opinion about these questions without looking to other people. Feeling confident about sharing these opinions may feel impossible without looking to other people. Opinion formation is listed as one of the first functions of social comparison in Festinger’s original paper on the subject.
Table of Contents
What is Social Comparison and Why do People Compare Themselves to Others?
Festinger's Social Comparison Theory
Everyone compares themselves to others to some degree. The name of this phenomenon is social comparison.
What is Social Comparison and Why do People Compare Themselves to Others?
Festinger's hypotheses and social comparison's definition provide a compelling answer. In essence, social comparison theory states that people compare themselves to one another because of an innate human desire to improve. Self-evaluation is key to improving, as this process reveals their strengths and weaknesses.
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 is the difference between upward and downward comparison?
According to the social comparison theory, there are two types of 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 downward comparison?
A downward comparison occurs when someone compares himself with others who are less capable than him.
When someone is unhappy or unmotivated, he usually engages in downward comparisons in order to feel better about?
On the other hand, when someone is unhappy or is unmotivated, he usually engages in downward comparisons in order to feel better about himself.
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.
