Abstract
Comparing oneself with others is an important characteristic of human social life, but the link between human and non-human forms of social comparison remains largely unknown. The present study used a computerized task presented in a social context to explore psychological mechanisms supporting social comparison in baboons and compare major findings with those usually observed in humans. We found that the effects of social comparison on subject's performance were guided both by similarity (same versus different sex) and by task complexity. Comparing oneself with a better-off other (upward comparison) increased performance when the other was similar rather than dissimilar, and a reverse effect was obtained when the self was better (downward comparison). Furthermore, when the other was similar, upward comparison led to a better performance than downward comparison. Interestingly, the beneficial effect of upward comparison on baboons' performance was only observed during simple task. Our results support the hypothesis of shared social comparison mechanisms in human and non-human primates.
Highlights
The present study addresses the crucial but overlooked issue of social comparison [1] and especially its consequences in nonhuman primates
In easier task, when the partner is better, there is a performance improvement with similarity (RTs decrease by an estimated 17.2 ms, t 1⁄4 24.834, p, 0.001, 95% CI 1⁄4 [10.1, 24.3]), opposite results are observed when the self is better
When the task becomes more difficult, no significant changes are observed in upward comparison (t 1⁄4 21.34, p 1⁄4 0.18, 95% CI 1⁄4 [22.3, 11.9]), but there is a marginally significant performance improvement in downward comparison (RTs decrease by 6.0 ms, t 1⁄4 1.72, p 1⁄4 0.085, 95% CI 1⁄4 [20.86, 12.9])
Summary
The present study addresses the crucial but overlooked issue of social comparison [1] (i.e. self-evaluation relative to others) and especially its consequences in nonhuman primates. Research has demonstrated that consequences of social comparison greatly depend on its direction, namely whether one compares with a more or less fortunate other (termed upward and downward comparisons, respectively), and the similarity between oneself and the other on salient characteristics (e.g. category membership [7]; psychological closeness [8]; sex [9]; distinct attribute [10]). Social comparison with a similar other generally results in assimilation, whereas comparison with a dissimilar other leads to a contrast effect [11,12]. When the other is similar, upward comparison is likely to lead to positive effects and downward comparison to negative effects (assimilation process), while a reverse pattern is expected in the case of dissimilarity (contrast process)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callMore From: Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
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.
