Upward Social Comparison Research Articles

Social comparison selection in individuals with depression and the role of self-assessment and self-enhancement motives: An experimental investigation

Social comparison plays an important role in depression. However, the process of social comparison selection among depressed individuals remains understudied. This study investigated the choices made by individuals with elevated depression scores (assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-8) when exposed to vignettes depicting individuals with varying depression severity and coping ability. We experimentally activated either self-assessment or self-enhancement motives and had participants choose from four vignettes: (1) Mild Depression/Coping Well; (2) Mild Depression/Coping Poorly; (3) Severe Depression/Coping Well; and (4) Severe Depression/Coping Poorly. Our first hypothesis was that most participants would select the Mild Depression/Coping Well vignette, presenting a potential upward social comparison standard (H1). Additionally, we expected higher depression scores to correlate with selecting vignettes featuring greater severity (H2). We further hypothesized that those in the self-enhancement condition would prefer coping poorly vignettes more than those in the self-assessment condition (H3). We conducted a between-subject online experiment ( N = 449). Confirming H1, most participants favored the Mild Depression/Coping Well vignette, while the Severe Depression/Coping Poorly vignette was least selected. Supporting H2, higher depression levels were linked to opting for alternative comparison standards over the Mild Depression/Coping Well vignette. Contrary to H3, participants’ choices were not influenced by self-motives.

Digital self-presentation and adolescent mental health: Cross-sectional and longitudinal insights from the “LifeOnSoMe”-study

BackgroundThe intensive use of social media among adolescents has caused concern about its impact on their mental health, but studies show that social media use is linked to both better and worse mental health. These seemingly contradictory findings may result from the diverse motivations, interactions, and experiences related to social media use, and studies investigating specific facets of social media use in relation to mental health and well-being, beyond general usage metrics, have been called for. Aspects of self-presentation on social media, such as feedback-seeking and upwards social comparison have been linked to worse mental health, however, there is a need for more studies exploring the relationship between self-presentation on social media and adolescent mental health over time.AimThe aim of this study was to explore the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationship between aspects of self-presentation and depression, anxiety, and well-being among adolescents.MethodsThis study utilised both cross-sectional and longitudinal datasets from the LifeOnSoMe-study, comprising 3,424 and 439 participants, respectively (OSF preregistration https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/BVPS8). Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was used to identify similar response patterns within the Self-Presentation and Upwards Social Comparison Inclination Scale (SPAUSCIS). Regression models and first differencing methods were applied to evaluate the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between focus on self-presentation and mental health and well-being among adolescents.ResultsA strong emphasis on self-presentation was linked to increased levels of depression and anxiety in both males and females, and reduced well-being in females when compared to those with lower or intermediate self-presentation focus. The effect sizes ranged from small to medium. Furthermore, an escalation in self-presentation focus over time was associated with a slight increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression; however, the association with well-being did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionThe results of the present study suggest that a heightened focus on self-presentation, which includes behaviours such as seeking feedback, employing strategic self-presentation tactics, and engaging in upward social comparisons, is associated with an elevated risk of reduced mental health.

Mirror, mirror on my screen: Focus on self-presentation on social media is associated with perfectionism and disordered eating among adolescents. Results from the “LifeOnSoMe”-study

BackgroundSocial media use, perfectionism, and disordered eating have all increased over the last decades. Some studies indicate that there is a relationship between self-presentation behaviors and being exposed to others’ self-presentation on social media, and disordered eating. Studies also show that the relationship between focus on self-presentation and highly visual social media is stronger than for non-visual social media, hence facilitating upward social comparison. Nevertheless, no previous studies have investigated the link between adolescents’ focus on self-presentation and upward social comparison on social media, and perfectionism and disordered eating, which is the aim of the present study.MethodThe present study is based on a cross-sectional survey from the “LifeOnSoMe”-study (N = 3424), conducted in 2020 and 2021. Respondents were high school students (mean age 17.3 years, 56% females) in Bergen, Norway. Multiple regression analysis was performed, where SPAUSCIS, a measure of self-presentation and upward social comparison, was the independent variable. Perfectionism and disordered eating were dependent variables. Self-reported age, gender, and subjective socioeconomic status were used as covariates, as well as frequency and duration of social media use. Regression models were performed to compare proportions across the median split of SPAUSCIS.ResultsThe multiple regression analysis showed that increased focus on self-presentation and upward social comparison on social media were positively associated with both perfectionism (standardized coefficient 0.28) and disordered eating. A stronger association for girls than boys was found for disordered eating (standardized coefficient 0.39 for girls and 0.29 for boys). There was no gender moderation for perfectionism.ConclusionsFindings suggest that focus on self-presentation and upward social comparison on social media is associated with perfectionism and disordered eating. We recommend promoting a healthy use of social media. This could be established by increasing adolescents’ ability to reflect on and think critically about self-presentation and upward social comparison on social media.

The influence of upward social comparison on status consumption in clothing, eating, living, and travelling: The mediating effects of perceived self‐improvement and perceived superiority

AbstractCompensatory consumption theory posits that individuals tend to engage in status consumption as a response to experiencing upward social comparison. However, it is unclear whether upward social comparison can influence status consumption in four lifestyle domains: clothing, eating, living, and travelling. Therefore, we conducted two separate studies with a sample of Chinese consumers. In Study 1, we investigated the effects of upward social comparison on status consumption in four domains by comparing participants with a specific individual. In Study 2, we examined the effects of upward social comparison on status consumption in four domains by comparing participants with a group. Additionally, Study 2 examined the mediating role of perceived self‐improvement and perceived superiority. The results revealed that participants exhibited higher purchase intentions and preferences for status products and services in four consumption domains when exposed to upward social comparison. Furthermore, the results also indicated that perceived self‐improvement and perceived superiority mediated the positive effects of status consumption in four domains under upward social comparison. These findings contribute to the broader applicability of compensatory consumption theory.

Influence of social networking site use on body image disturbances among young women in China

Young adult women in China are at high risk of body image disturbances and are among the most frequent users of social networking sites (SNS). We investigated the association between SNS use and body image disturbances in this group, as well as the mediating effect of upward social comparison. We recruited 511 women to complete questionnaires on SNS use, upward social comparison, and body dissatisfaction. Results indicated that SNS use was significantly and positively associated with upward social comparison and body dissatisfaction among young women in China, and upward social comparison mediated this association. Findings from the current study provide new evidence for the tripartite influence model of body image and indicate that SNS use is a risk factor for body image disturbances.

From Clicks to Calm: Investigating the Link Between Mindfulness and Digital Hoarding Behavior Among Chinese Youth.

Digital hoarding refers to the continuous acquisition of digital content and the difficulty in disposing of it. This behavior is increasingly common among today's youth. This study aims to explore the impact of mindfulness on digital hoarding behavior, investigating self-control as a mediator and upward social comparison via social media as a moderator. A total of 956 young individuals participated in this cross-sectional study. The research instruments used included the Mindfulness Measure, the Self-Control Scale, the Social Comparison Scale, and the Digital Hoarding Behavior Questionnaire. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. For more complex analyses, we examined the mediating role of self-control and the moderating effects of upward social comparison via social media in the relationship between mindfulness and digital hoarding behavior. 1) Mindfulness significantly negatively predicted digital hoarding. 2) Self-control mediated the relationship between mindfulness and digital hoarding. 3) Upward social comparison via social media moderated the relationship between mindfulness and self-control, specifically the first segment of the mediation pathway. This research is pioneering in exploring mindfulness as a protective factor against digital hoarding, offering fresh insights into this nascent field. The findings also suggest prevention and intervention strategies for digital information management disorder in young people.

Conquering knowledge exchange barriers with age differences: A stress appraisal perspective on the consequences of upward social comparisons

Conquering knowledge exchange barriers with age differences: A stress appraisal perspective on the consequences of upward social comparisons

Comparing upward: How parental social comparisons shape children’s self-concept and mastery motivation in China

The prevalence of Chinese parents using upward social comparisons to influence their children’s behavior is well-documented. However, the lack of reliable tools for measuring parental social comparisons, combined with a limited understanding of their association with preschoolers’ mastery motivation, highlights a significant gap in research. To bridge this gap, we undertook a comprehensive investigation. Study 1 involved the development of the Parental Social Comparison Scale. Study 2 and Study 3 explored the association between parental social comparisons and children’s mastery motivation, considering perspectives from parents (N = 194; Mage = 33.72 years, SD = 4.97) and children (N = 102; Mage = 5.14 years, SD = 3.78). We found that parental social comparisons were positively associated with children’s mastery motivation according to parents’ perceptions but were negatively associated with mastery motivation through children’s self-concept from children’s perspectives.

Who posts the advertisement: The influence of advertising authorship on in‐feed advertising effectiveness

AbstractAdvertisers typically publish in‐feed ads with two types of authorship: brand or influencer, yet little is known about the effectiveness of in‐feed ads between these two authors. In this study, we investigated the interactions and mechanisms of ad authorship (brand vs. influencer) and brand type (luxury vs. mass) on advertising effectiveness, and tested the moderating effect of upward social comparison based on the stereotype content model. A pilot study, by coding the secondary data from Most Liked WeChat Moment Ads, found that a greater proportion of luxury (vs. mass) brands were authored by brands (vs. influencers). Study 1 used eye tracking technique to identify the interactive effect of ad authorship and brand type on visual attention. Study 2 further identified perceived competence and warmth as mediators. Study 3 verified the moderating effect of upward social comparison on the above effects. This paper contributes to the theoretical literature on in‐feed advertising by showing the interactive effect of advertising authorship and brand types on advertising effectiveness. It also offers valuable insights for luxury or mass brands on strategically leveraging the brand itself or influencer for advertising.

The Mediating Roles of Beauty Ideals and Upward Comparison in Social Media’s Influence on Body Image Anxiety Among Chinese High School Students

This comprehensive study delves into the intricate relationship between problematic social media use and the escalating issue of body image anxiety among Chinese high school students. By meticulously analyzing the roles of beauty ideal internalization and upward social comparison as critical mediating factors, the research uncovers a troubling pattern where a substantial number of students are drawn into a vortex of endless social media browsing and comparative behavior. This engagement is not only linked to an excessive allocation of time on social media platforms but also to the exacerbation of body image anxiety. The findings poignantely illustrate the strong correlations between the propensity for upward social comparison, the absorption of societal beauty ideals, and the subsequent increase in body image anxiety experienced by the student population. The study’s revelations underscore the imperative need for a multifaceted intervention strategy that involves the active participation of social media platforms, educational institutions, and the family unit to cultivate a digital ecosystem that supports mental health and well-being. By addressing the root causes of beauty ideal internalization and upward social comparison, the research aims to equip stakeholders with the insights necessary to design and implement effective solutions, fostering an online environment that nurtures positive body image perceptions and reduces the psychological distress associated with problematic social media use, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more resilient generation of young adults.

Socialization and Impulse Buying of Young Adults in S-Commerce: Mediating Roles of Hedonic Browsing and Upward Social Comparison

Socialization and Impulse Buying of Young Adults in S-Commerce: Mediating Roles of Hedonic Browsing and Upward Social Comparison

Upward social comparison and social anxiety among Chinese college students: a chain-mediation model of relative deprivation and rumination.

Social anxiety has consistently emerged as a prominent manifestation of mental health issues among college students. Though the relationship between upward social comparison and social anxiety has been extensively addressed in previous literature, little attention has been paid to the underlying mechanisms at play. The present study used a questionnaire survey to test whether upward social comparison may be associated with social anxiety in Chinese college students. The mediating role of relative deprivation and rumination was also examined. In total, 463 college students were recruited to complete four scales, including the Upward Social Comparison Scale, the Relative Deprivation Scale, the Ruminative Thinking Scale, and the Social Anxiety Scale. The results show that upward social comparison was significantly positively correlated with relative deprivation, rumination, and social anxiety (r = 0.30, 0.31, and 0.27, respectively; p < 0.01). Second, relative deprivation was positively correlated with rumination and social anxiety (r = 0.40 and 0.17, respectively; p < 0.01). Finally, rumination was positively correlated with social anxiety (r = 0.47, p < 0.01). Moreover, upward social comparison positively predicts social anxiety, with an effect value of 0.12, while rumination plays a mediating role between upward social comparison and social anxiety, with an effect value of 0.07, and the 95% confidence interval for the indirect effect is 0.04-0.11. Separately, the chain mediation of relative deprivation and rumination had an effect value of 0.03, and the 95% confidence interval for the indirect effect is 0.02-0.05. This research highlights the relationship between upward social comparison and social anxiety in Chinese society and revealed the mediating mechanisms between them, deepening our understanding of how upward social comparison increases social anxiety.

Upward social comparisons and suicidal ideation on Facebook: Moderating role of thwarted belongingness.

Upward social comparisons and suicidal ideation on Facebook: Moderating role of thwarted belongingness.

The Influence of Instagram Usage on Self-Esteem and Well-Being of University Students

The research explores the effects of the consumption of Instagram on the psychological states and self-esteem of university students, with special attention to the chosen object since it is the most widely used social platform among youths at this stage of their lives. It will discuss the impact of Instagram, especially when adopting upward social comparison. sampling technique employed by this study is quantitative with purposive sampling technique, and the study gets responses from 230 people. The survey adopted several scales: eligibility criteria: Participants had to be over 18 years of age, own an Instagram account, complete the Instagram Intensity Scale(based on Ellison), Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, measures of passive and active use of IG, and a Life Satisfaction Scale. The research evidence shows that both active and passive use of Instagram results in a negative shift in the self-esteem of users, meaning that the well-being of university students is impacted.

Unpacking Instagram use: The impact of upward social comparisons on usage patterns and affective experiences in the wild

Users of Social Networking Sites (SNS) often engage in social comparison, an experience that can elicit various affective responses. While previous studies have established important links between social comparison and emotion, the granularity and ecological validity of this work remains limited. To address this issue, we conducted a field study with 40 Instagram users. We unobtrusively recorded their Instagram usage patterns (e.g., time on site and the type of content consumed, such as feed, story, or message). Additionally, we used experience sampling methods and questionnaires to capture their affective experiences, social comparisons, and depression severity. Our results elucidate the interplay between these emotions, traits, and tendencies during Instagram use. Notably, we find that while passive or prolonged Instagram use affects users’ emotions, the magnitude of this effect depends on the frequency of users’ social comparisons. These results can inform the design of systems to improve mental well-being on SNS.

To beautify or uglify! The effects of augmented reality face filters on body satisfaction moderated by self-esteem and self-identification

Beautifying augmented reality face filters (AR-FF) have been linked to reduced body satisfaction, particularly in young women. Social comparison theory has been used to explain this negative effect through upward social comparisons against the beautified version of oneself. However, downward comparisons have received little attention, though their investigation could have critical theoretical and practical implications. This proof-of-concept study evaluated whether the type of face filter has an effect on body satisfaction in young female students (N = 76) by comparing uglifying (downwards) and beautifying (upwards) face filters in a between-subjects experiment. Additionally, the moderating roles of self-esteem and self-identification with a filtered depiction were investigated. Exposure to beautifying face filters decreased body satisfaction, while no significant effect was detected for uglifying face filters. Furthermore, the effect of beautifying face filters was moderated by self-esteem but not self-identification, while there were no interactions for uglifying face filters. Possible implications and future research opportunities are discussed.

Toxic positivity intentions: an image management approach to upward social comparison and false self-presentation

Abstract Media users are often overwhelmed with excessive amounts of positivity on social media. While a healthy positive outlook acknowledges both the positive and negative aspects of life, a growing term in popular media referring to toxic positivity suggests users leverage positivity and avoid negativity for personal gain. Employing a two-study, multi-method design, Study 1 is framed within the impression management literature to conceptually and operationally define perceived toxic positivity intentions (TPI) through qualitative and quantitative measures. Study 2 is framed within the bandwagon and descriptive norm literature to investigate the role of perceived TPI in upward social comparisons and digital self-presentation behaviors. Results of Study 1 indicate a five-factor solution of perceived TPI on social media. Results of Study 2 suggest the relationship between (most) dimensions of perceived TPI and false social media self-presentations is significantly mediated by upward social comparison.

Examining the relationship between Exposure to Avengers Action Figures and Men’s Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorders in Pakistan

This study investigates the relationship between social comparison, body dissatisfaction, and eating disorders among males in five major cities of Pakistan. The sample comprised 400 male participants drawn from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. The Social Comparison Theory serves as the theoretical framework for examining how individuals' perceptions of their bodies are influenced by comparisons with others. Results revealed significant correlations between eating disorder symptoms and body dissatisfaction as well as social comparison tendencies. More specifically, there was a larger tendency toward disordered eating practices and higher degrees of body dissatisfaction among those who participated in upward social comparison. The results emphasis the importance of considering social comparison processes in understanding body image concerns and eating disorders among males in Pakistan. Implications for intervention and prevention efforts aimed at promoting positive body image and healthy eating behaviors are discussed. The implications of these findings extend to intervention and prevention strategies geared towards fostering positive body image and cultivating healthy eating behaviors among this demographic.

A person-centred investigation of the associations between actual and perceived physical fitness among youth with intellectual disabilities

ABSTRACT The main objective of this person-centred study was to identify profiles of actual and perceived physical fitness among a sample of youth with intellectual disabilities (ID). Participants were 377 youth (60.4% boys) with mild (49.6%) to moderate (50.4%) ID recruited in Australia and Canada. Latent profile analyses revealed five profiles: (1) Underestimation of Average Physical Fitness (5.5% of the sample); (2) Moderate Overestimation of Low Physical Fitness (17.7%), (3) Moderate Underestimation of Average Physical Fitness (31.3%); (4) High Overestimation of Average Physical Fitness (28.3%); and (5) Moderate Underestimation of High Physical Fitness with an Accurate Estimation of Average Flexibility (17.2%). Profiles 1, 2, and 3 relatives to Profiles 4 and 5 included younger participants, more participants with moderate levels of ID, and participants with a higher body mass index. Additionally, profiles 1 and 3 also included a higher proportion of youth pursuing externally-driven motives and less frequently involved in sports outside of the school. In sum, our findings showed that the tendency of youth with ID to rely on upward or downward-lateral social comparisons may have resulted in a depreciation or overestimation of their low levels of physical fitness.

The Impact of Mobile Social Media Use on Depressive Mood Among College Students: A Chain Mediating Effect of Upward Social Comparison and Cognitive Overload.

The 18-24 age group has a much higher rate of depression risk than other age groups, and this age group has the highest proportion among users of mobile social media. The relationship between the use of mobile social media and depressive mood is inconsistent and the mechanism of action is controversial. This study explored the relationship among the intensity of social media use, upward social comparison, cognitive overload and depressive mood. In this research, we used the Brief Self-rating Depression Scale (PHQ-9), the Social Media Usage Intensity Questionnaire, the Social Comparison Scale on Social Networking Sites and the Social Networking Site Cognitive Overload Scale to investigate the depressive mood and mobile social media use of 568 college students. The intensity of mobile social media use, social networking site upward social comparison, and social networking site cognitive overload are all positively correlated with depressive mood. The intensity of mobile social media use has a positive predictive effect on depressive mood, with upward social comparison and cognitive overload acting as independent mediators in the relationship between mobile social media use intensity and depressive symptoms, as well as exhibiting a chained mediating effect of upward social comparison-cognitive overload. The upward social comparison and cognitive load that occur during the use of mobile social media are important predictive factors for the occurrence of depressive mood. This study is a supplement to the mechanism of the relationship between mobile social media use and depression, providing more evidence-based evidence and intervention directions for university teachers, mobile social media developers, and psychologists.