Upward and Downward Comparisons Influence Our Self-Esteem. … When we are able to
compare ourselves favorably
with others, we feel good about ourselves, but when the outcome of comparison suggests that others are better or better off than we are, then our self-esteem is likely to suffer.
Social Comparison Helps Create the Self-Concept. … Social comparison. occurs when we
learn about our abilities and skills
, about the appropriateness and validity of our opinions, and about our relative social status by comparing our own attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors with those of others.
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.
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.
How does comparison affect your life?
Research has found that comparing
breeds feelings of envy, low-self confidence, and depression
, as well as compromises our ability to trust others. … When comparing leads you to devalue yourself or others you've entered dangerous territory.
People who have higher self-esteem and fewer stressors in their lives tend
to fare better with social comparisons
. For example, generally speaking, when we make downward social comparisons and compare ourselves to those who are less well-off, it generally makes us feel better.
According to social comparison theory,
individuals determine their own social and personal worth
Why you should not compare siblings?
Sometimes comparing
siblings is harmless
, but if you're not careful, you may cause a child to feel as though he or she can't measure up and spark anxiety and sibling rivalry. Your children may be siblings, but they are different people. … Those feelings can lead to resentment and an unhealthy focus on competition.
Individuals with greater social comparison orientation derived from low self-esteem have worse mental health, as they are
more likely to hurt themselves psychologically
(Jang et al. 2016). SNSs can facilitate upward social comparison and negatively influence individuals' perceived social support.
Why is comparing yourself to others bad?
No matter how well you're doing, comparing yourself to other people takes your
eyes off your goals
. And it can cause you to feel bad about how you're doing–because there will always be someone who looks happier, wealthier, healthier, and more successful.
Is comparison good or bad?
It's not good
if we're just trying to gain a sense of superiority or avoiding challenging ourselves to do better. But such downward comparisons can remind us of our own fortune. They can also help us when we think about the things we regret but we cannot change.
What is the danger of comparison?
Most comparisons are considered to be dangerous
. The only comparisons that are considered to be healthy are those that inspire you to make a change in your life for the better. Other than that most comparisons are damaging to our positive mental health.
What are the four reasons why we should not be comparing ourselves to others?
- Comparison is the thief of joy. …
- Comparison will stall your progress. …
- You can't physically change who you are. …
- No one has a perfect life. …
- There will always be someone better than you at something.
There's actually a
biological reason
we're prone to comparing ourselves to others. Our brain uses comparison to figure out how we measure up to other people. Anxiety is real, but it doesn't define you.
- Identify specific triggers. If you want to stop comparing yourself to others, determine when envy rears its ugly head. …
- Commit yourself to gratitude. …
- Document your achievements. …
- Embrace the competition. …
- Be your own best friend.
Studies have shown that people who make frequent social comparisons are
more likely to experience feelings of envy
, regret, guilt and defensiveness and also lie, blame others or have unmet cravings. … Ultimately, social comparisons in either respect can decrease a person's feeling of well-being.
