Social Comparison Scale Research Articles

Factors important for the measurement of social comparison in chronic illness: a mixed-methods study

The aim of this study was to examine social comparison in illness using a mixed-methods approach that combined inductive exploration of how people used social comparison in this self-help group with a quantitative study of social comparison processes and their relationship to quality of life. The qualitative study involved 15 semi-structured interviews with people with Ménière's disease. Themes from the analysis of the interviews informed the development of the Social Comparison in Illness Scale (SCIS), which was then validated in a questionnaire study, in which participants with Ménière's disease (n = 196) completed the SCIS, the previously validated Identification/Contrast social comparison scale, and the SF-36 health status questionnaire. The qualitative study uncovered a wide range of forms of social comparison, including upward, downward and lateral comparison on illness and coping dimensions, as well as comparing solely for informational purposes. The quantitative study indicated that these varied directions and dimensions of social comparison could be mapped onto five reliable categories that were related to quality of life: upward positive and downward positive comparison, upward negative and downward negative comparison, and comparing for information. These analyses highlight the complexity of socially comparing in chronic illness, but also confirm the validity of the Identification/Contrast model of social comparison in this context.

Social comparison processes and depressive symptoms in children and adolescents with Asperger syndrome

The present study investigated the relationship between social comparison processes and depressive symptoms in 36 participants (34 males and two females) aged 10 to 16 years with Asperger syndrome. Participants completed the Social Comparison Scale and the Children's Depression Inventory. Depressive symptoms were significantly correlated with the SCS (r = 0.52, p = 0.001), specifically perceived group membership (r = 0.56, p < 0.001). A regression analysis revealed that perceived group membership significantly and independently predicted depression scores (beta= 0.56, p = 0.002). It is suggested social comparison is a salient factor related to depressive symptoms in this group, and interventions involving adolescents with AS should therefore address this factor.

Linking stigma to psychological distress: testing a social–cognitive model of the experience of people with intellectual disabilities

AbstractIn this study we explore the link between the social experience of people with intellectual disabilities and core cognitive process that have previously been shown to be related to a range of psychological disorders. Thirty‐nine people with intellectual disabilities completed self‐report scales measuring the perception of stigma, core negative evaluations and social comparison. Correlation analysis suggests that core negative evaluative beliefs about the self are positively associated with the experience of feeling different: a process that could be described as internalizing the experienced stigma. Relationships were also found between negative self‐evaluations and the social attractiveness dimension of the social comparison scale. Using regression techniques stigma was found to have an impact on social comparison processes that was mediated by evaluative beliefs. These findings support a social–cognitive view of the importance of the social world to people with an intellectual disability, and the psychological damage that stigmatization can cause. We discuss interventions that integrate both social and cognitive domains. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Recall of threat and submissiveness in childhood: development of a new scale and its relationship with depression, social comparison and shame

AbstractResearch on the link between recall of early parenting and psychopathology has focused on recall of parental behaviours such as neglect, rejection, low warmth and overprotection. This study investigates recall of the personal feelings of perceived threat and subordination in childhood. A short, new self‐report scale was developed, called the Early Life Experiences Scale (ELES) and given to 225 undergraduate students. Analysis revealed three factors: a factor for threat, a factor related to submissiveness and a factor related to feeling (un)valued. All participants completed measures of recall of parental behaviour and depression; 119 also completed a shame scale, and 106 completed a social comparison scale. Both the recall of parental behaviour measure and the ELES correlated significantly with depression, social comparison and shame. However, a standard multiple regression analysis found that only the submissive factor of the ELES predicted depression. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Guilt, fear, submission, and empathy in depression

Background: This study compares self-focused motivations (fear of negative evaluation, social comparison, and fear of envy) and other-focused motivations (empathy and interpersonal guilt) in submissive behavior and depression. Methods: The Beck Depression Inventory, Submissive Behavior Scale, Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, Social Comparison Scale, Interpersonal Guilt Questionnaire, and Interpersonal Reactivity Inventory were administered to 50 patients hospitalized for depression and 52 students. Results: Depressed patients were significantly higher in survivor guilt, omnipotent responsibility guilt, submissive behavior, fear of negative evaluation, fear of envy, and empathic distress, and lower in social comparison. Limitations: This research was limited in that it was a correlational study. Conclusions: This study suggests that altruistic concern about others may be an important factor in depression and submissive behavior. Evolutionary implications of these findings are discussed.

Social comparison, self-esteem and depression in people with intellectual disability.

The present study explores the relationship between social comparison processes, self-esteem and depression in people with intellectual disability. Forty-three people with mild and moderate intellectual disability completed adapted measures of self-esteem and social comparison. The social comparison scale offers subscale scores on achievement, social attractiveness and group belonging dimensions. The self-esteem scale offers subscale scores for positive and negative self-esteem. A significant positive correlation was found between positive self-esteem and social comparison on the achievement dimension. Depression was significantly negatively correlated with social comparison on the social attractiveness and group belonging dimensions, and with positive self-esteem. Regression analysis showed that depression was significantly and independently predicted only by social comparison on the social attractiveness dimension. The present authors conclude that social comparison is associated with self-esteem and depression in people with intellectual disability in the same way as it is for people without intellectual disability. Further exploration of social comparison process in people with intellectual disability may inform cognitive behavioural interventions for this group of people.

A social comparison scale: Psychometric properties and relationship to psychopathology

This paper describes the development of a social comparison scale using the semantic differential approach. It also explores the relationship between this social comparison scale and psychopathology. The dimensions of social comparison measured here are derived from evolution theory and focus primarily on judgements of social rank, judgements of relative attractiveness and judgements of group fit. The factor structure of the scale appears consistent with theoretical predictions. Evidence suggests that social rank and attractiveness dimensions may be more salient for a clinical group, while group fit judgements become less important.