This free online tool allows to combine multiple pdf or image files into a single pdf document. A theory of social comparison processes center for human science. Original theory festingers 1954 social comparison theory postulates that humans have a drive to evaluate their opinions and abilities. The theory further posits that upward social comparisons have more negative self eval uative consequences when one is outperformed by someone who is. That is, an upward comparison with someone better lowered a persons selfevaluation, and a downward comparison with someone worse raised the selfevaluation, as shown in the mr cleanmr dirty study. University of groningen the effects of social comparison. This article integrates these changes with insights offered by. Social comparison theory festinger 1954, sug on their appearance, women with low. As you compare yourself to others, consider how both upward and downward social comparison might influence your selfbelief, confidence, motivation, and attitude and watch out for negative feelings that might emerge as a result of this process. Pdf integrating social comparison theory and selfesteem within. The theory was developed in 1954 by psychologist leon festinger. Social comparison theory has evolved considerably since festinger 1954 originally proposed it. A theory of social comparison processes leon festinger, 1954. If you have access to a journal via a society or association membership, please browse to your society journal, select an article to view, and follow the instructions in this box.
Impact of social comparison on cancer survivors quality of life. Contrary to the original theory or subsequent research, a the individual is not always an unbiased selfevaluator but may seek many goals through social comparison. Social comparison theory an overview sciencedirect topics. Access the pdf merger from any internetconnected desktop or mobile device. Social comparison plays a role in the judgments that people make about themselves but also in the way that people behave.
Theory and research concerning social comparisons of personal. For example, turning pegs as in festingers experiment is an artificial task that doesnt happen in everyday life. The theory does, however, explain a considerable amount of data and leads to testable derivations. A theory of social comparison processes leon festinger. Specifically, we shall develop below how the theory applies to the appraisal and evaluation of abilities as well as opinions. These theories continue to play a role in contemporary psychology. Later research has shown that people who regularly compare themselves to others often. Access to society journal content varies across our titles. Three experiments, specifically designed to test predictions from this extension of the theory, have now been completed 5, 12, 19. Leon festinger 8 may 1919 11 february 1989 was an american social psychologist, perhaps best known for cognitive dissonance and social comparison theory. In the early 1950s, the behavioral sciences division of the ford foundation gave leon festinger a grant, which was part of the program of the laboratory for research in social relations. Leon festingers social comparison theory the psychology.
Social comparison theory states that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others. Until the 1990s, most students of social comparison theory believed that comparison always led to contrast with the comparison target. Finally, many of the studies supporting the theory of cognitive dissonance have low ecological validity. This study examined the implications for social comparison theory of the proposition that women have lower selfconfidence than men when there is a socially defined standard of performance. Theory and research concerning social comparisons of. As expected, this model provided an evidence that they may combine. People sometimes compare themselves to others as a way of. In this meaning much of the theory which is to be presented here is not plausible. Festingers social comparison theory psychology essay. The work on social comparison theory has been extended to practical applications to health, counselling psychology and educational psychology. His theories and research are credited with renouncing the previously dominant behaviorist view of social. Leon festinger was a 20th century psychologist who developed the theories of cognitive dissonance and social comparison.
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