What does downward social comparison mean?

What does downward social comparison mean?

• A. Comparing oneself to people who are better off to feel worse
• B. Comparing oneself to people who are worse off to feel better
• C. Comparing oneself to past self
• D. Comparing oneself to imagined futures

Answer: (B)

Downward social comparison is when you evaluate yourself by looking at someone who is worse off, and that contrast often makes your own situation feel better or safer, boosting your self-esteem or mood in the moment. It’s a common coping strategy used to manage negative feelings after setbacks or to feel more confident about where you stand. That explains why comparing yourself to people who are worse off to feel better is the best description. In contrast, comparing yourself to someone better off tends to be upward social comparison, which can motivate you but also provoke envy. Comparing to your past self focuses on changes over time, and imagining futures deals with anticipated outcomes rather than current standings.

Downward social comparison is when you evaluate yourself by looking at someone who is worse off, and that contrast often makes your own situation feel better or safer, boosting your self-esteem or mood in the moment. It’s a common coping strategy used to manage negative feelings after setbacks or to feel more confident about where you stand. That explains why comparing yourself to people who are worse off to feel better is the best description.

In contrast, comparing yourself to someone better off tends to be upward social comparison, which can motivate you but also provoke envy. Comparing to your past self focuses on changes over time, and imagining futures deals with anticipated outcomes rather than current standings.