Abstract
Downward social comparisons to others in a relatively unsuccessful group can bolster mood, a phenomenon known as the big‐fish‐in‐a‐little‐pond effect (BFLPE). The current study examined social support as a moderator of the BFLPE in online weight‐management support groups (SGs). Participants (N= 149) were recruited from weight‐management message boards. In an Internet survey, participants made weight‐related social comparisons to the average person and the average SG member. Big fish indicated that they would feel more self‐pride after reading a downward social comparison message than did other participants, but the BFLPE occurred only for participants with lower weight‐related social support. Social support could foster collective identity in online self‐help support groups, reducing the BFLPE.
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