Self-Other Comparisons

Self-other comparisons are an inevitable aspect of human existence. Self-other comparisons can be upward or downward depending on how the self views the other in the comparison (comparatively better in downward and comparatively worse in upward). Lin and Tsai (2007) note that "comparisons affect people's self-perception," with "upward comparisons negatively affecting people's self-perception" and "downward comparisons positively affecting people's self-perception" (p. 763). Since self-concept is shaped by self-other comparisons, the focus of this paper will be to select several instances from the data that informs this process. How self-other comparisons create self-definition in small group interactions will also be addressed. A conclusion will address the significance of this issue on human development.

Leon Festinger developed social comparison theory in the 1950s, postulating that humans have "a drive to evaluate their opinions and abilities, and, in the absence of objective standards, "individuals compare themselves with other people" (Lin & Tsai, 2007, p. 762). This is squarely supported by the general collection of data of self-other comparisons I generated from students. All of them seem to attempt to measure some form of opinion, ability or appearance by self-other comparison. One woman "feels inferior" when she looks at the flat stomachs of the TV models, while another laments her life opportunities compared to the wealthy Kardashian famil

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negative impact on self-concept. This is particularly true where body-esteem is concerned. As Lawrence, Rosenberg and Fauerbach (2007) define it, "body esteem is self-evaluation of one's body or appearance" (p. 370). Body esteem develops through self-other comparisons. Body-esteem, like self-concept, is negotiated in a "sociocultural context" in which the individual "receives many different cues about standards of appearance" (Lawrence, et al., 2007, p. 370). Body-esteem is the most important aspect of self-concept for most individuals and this is borne out by my data. Many of the incidents involve individuals appraising themselves in a highly critical manner where their body is concerned. One woman was aghast as she glimpsed her "grossly" overweight image in the security monitors, while another woman is heartbroken because she thinks her weight gain is making her husband find her undesirable (Research, 2009, I2, p. 9). As this incident exchange was observed, the couple was at home watching TV and a Jenny Craig commercial came on with Kirstie Alley wearing a body-fitted dress. The following exchange occurred between the husband and wife, though like most self-other comparisons, the wife did not verbalize her views:

Category: Psychology - S