Social Comparison Theory Social comparison, a pervasive aspect of daily life, consists in comparing oneself to others in order to evaluate or enhance some aspect of the self. The first systematic theory of social comparison was proposed by Leon Festinger, who was interested in the effects of social comparisons on self-appraisals of abilities and opinions.
The central idea of social comparison theory is that individuals often assess how well they are doing by comparing themselves with others around them. When Festinger (1954) originally developed the theory, he argued that individuals want an accurate assessment of their opinions and performance, and that in the absence of objective standards, they look to
Mass media content is created for audience consumption. Without at least a small audience, the communication process remains unilateral and incomplete. Despite its relevance for media production, regulation, and marketing, data on media use is systematically collected only in a few (mostly western) countries of the world. Hence the international comparison of media use patterns
Social Comparison Definition Social comparison involves thinking about information about one or more other people in relation to the self. People may compare themselves with other people for a variety of reasons: to evaluate themselves (e.g., How good at math am I?), to learn from others (e.g., How much did that person study to ace
Social comparison is a process in which self-appraisals are formed and involves evaluating one’s skills, attributes, belongings, and so forth compared with those of others. Social Comparison Theory Social comparison theory, proposed by Leon Festinger in 1954, states that individuals have an innate drive to maintain stable and accurate appraisals of themselves and do so
This article explores the complex interplay between social comparison and body image within the realm of health psychology. Beginning with a nuanced exploration of social comparison theory, the narrative progresses to elucidate the theoretical frameworks surrounding body image, incorporating perspectives such as sociocultural, cognitive-behavioral, and social learning. The article systematically unravels the impact of social
This article explores the complex relationship between social comparison and weight management within the realm of health psychology. Beginning with an elucidation of social comparison in the context of weight management, the article delves into historical perspectives, providing a foundation for understanding its evolution. Theoretical frameworks, such as Festinger’s Social Comparison Theory, and the nuances
This article explores the complex relationship between social comparison and healthcare decision-making within the framework of health psychology. Beginning with an overview of social comparison theory, the discussion delves into its theoretical underpinnings, encompassing upward and downward social comparison, as well as the identification of reference groups in healthcare contexts. The exploration unfolds further by
This article explores the complex relationship between social comparison and mental health disorders within the realm of health psychology. It begins by elucidating the foundations of social comparison theory, exploring both its positive and negative implications on individuals’ mental well-being. The discussion then extends to the pervasive influence of social media, dissecting the role it
This article explores the complex role of social comparison within the domain of health and illness, exploring its theoretical foundations, psychological implications, and practical applications. Beginning with an overview of social comparison theory, this discourse dissects the various types of social comparison, such as upward, downward, and lateral, and scrutinizes the factors influencing these comparisons