The Effects of Intergroup Upward Comparison and Trait Self-esteem on the Affection and State Self-esteem in Upward Comparison with In-group Members

Abstract

Investigated what factors could protect people from diminished self-esteem (Low SEs), who might be less skilled at constructing information in self-enhancing manners (S.E. Taylor et al., 1996) from the threat of interpersonal upward comparison with in-group members. Subjects (Ss) were 95 female nursing majors (mean age 19.5 yrs) in Japan. Ss were asked to complete part of an IQ test and then to imagine an in-group member either superior or equal to themselves under conditions designed to manipulate the presence (or absence) of intergroup upward comparison. The results showed that (1) interpersonal comparison on IQ scores with a superior in-group member decreased Low SEs and affective state in the condition of absence of intergroup upward comparison, but not in the condition of presence of intergroup upward comparison and (2) that High SEs could maintain their affection and state of self-esteem regardless of the condition of intergroup comparison. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)