Abstract

This study examined the role of social comparisons in producing the satisfaction that often follows from praise. Participants received no praise, comparison-free praise (without explicit social comparison information), and social comparison praise (with explicit social comparison information) after successfully completing a challenging intellectual task. In addition, they either received or did not receive performance norms indicating superior relative performance. Praise only led to greater feelings of satisfaction compared to the no praise, norm absent condition when it was also joined with social comparison information, either provided directly through social comparison praise or through performance norms. The presence of performance norms also enhanced satisfaction. Overall, participants' perceptions of superior relative performance mediated the effects of social comparison praise and of norm information on feelings of satisfaction.

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 call

Disclaimer: 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.