Barbara just received a B on her test. She learns that one of her friends got an A on the same test, and another friend got a C. Later that night, Barbara tells her roommate that she did "really well" relative to other people in the class. According to social comparison theory, Barbara appears to have engaged in ________ comparison.
Social Studies · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021
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According to social comparison theory, Barbara appears to have engaged in downward social comparison. When individuals compare themselves to others who are worse off or performing less well, it's considered downward social comparison. This can often make them feel better about themselves or their own situation. In contrast, upward social comparison is when individuals compare themselves to others who are performing better or are in a better situation, which can sometimes motivate them but also has the potential to make them feel worse about their own situation.