Abstract
Whether and how social comparison exacerbates or guards against depression in adolescents is an important issue. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of academic social comparison with adolescent depression and the mediating role of basic psychological needs satisfaction. The results derived from a sample of 1348 Chinese adolescents revealed that upward contrast was positively and indirectly associated with depression in that it negatively predicted satisfaction of the needs for competence and relatedness. Moreover, downward identification was positively and indirectly associated with depression in that it negatively predicted satisfaction of the need for competence. Finally, upward identification and downward contrast were negatively associated with depression indirectly in that they positively predicted satisfaction of the needs for competence and relatedness. These findings indicate the distinct associations of four types of social comparison with adolescent depression and the mediating role of basic psychological needs satisfaction in linking them. Implications and limitations were also discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
