Consequences of Social Comparison

Abstract

Almost all our achievements are relative, in that their merit depends on the achievements of others. This becomes especially clear in situations that are competitive in nature. For example, Sammy Sosa may be proud of the fact that he hit 66 homeruns in 1998, and thus surpassed the old record by a margin of 5. However, it may be difficult for him not to compare his 66 to the 70 home runs hit by Mark McGuire in the very same season. Similarly, you may be fairly content with your own athletic achievements, but still, after signing up for a competitive sports event, will probably start to compare your abilities to those of your rivals. What do you think would be the consequences of such comparisons? Would they make you feel better or worse? Would they change your own evaluation of your qualities? Would they boost or sabotage your performance?