Social Comparison Paper
Social Comparison Motives
In some instances upward social comparisons can result in a contrast effect such that following comparisons with a model, one would experience an increase in BD (see Myers & Crowther, 2009). On the other hand, upward social comparisons can results in an assimilation effect on self-evaluation such that after comparison to a model one would experience a decrease in BD (see Nikkelen et al., 2012). Experimental studies in the area of body image research provide support for the occurrence of contrast effects and assimilation effects in self-evaluation by manipulating similarities. In a study by Häfner (2004), participants’ perceived similarity to media ideal male models in various advertisements was manipulated by altering the headline of the advertisements to prime similarities (i.e., “same body-same feeling”) or differences (e.g., “feel the difference”). After the priming condition, participants showed a higher motivation to change their appearance when they had been primed with differences (i.e., they contrasted away from the model), but a …show more content…
Social comparison theory (Festinger, 1954) would suggest that when there is a discrepancy between the self and a comparison target, competitive behavior is generated. Research utilizing a mate-guarding prime found increased attention to attractive members of one’s own sex among men who were concerned with the threats posed by intrasexual competitors (Maner, Gailliot, Rouby, & Miller, 2007). Furthermore, research has shown that intrasexual competition through the use of a mating prime increased competitiveness among males (Buunk & Massar, 2012). Finally, in a correlational study, measures of intrasexual competition were significantly related to social comparison among males (Buunk & Fisher,
In some instances upward social comparisons can result in a contrast effect such that following comparisons with a model, one would experience an increase in BD (see Myers & Crowther, 2009). On the other hand, upward social comparisons can results in an assimilation effect on self-evaluation such that after comparison to a model one would experience a decrease in BD (see Nikkelen et al., 2012). Experimental studies in the area of body image research provide support for the occurrence of contrast effects and assimilation effects in self-evaluation by manipulating similarities. In a study by Häfner (2004), participants’ perceived similarity to media ideal male models in various advertisements was manipulated by altering the headline of the advertisements to prime similarities (i.e., “same body-same feeling”) or differences (e.g., “feel the difference”). After the priming condition, participants showed a higher motivation to change their appearance when they had been primed with differences (i.e., they contrasted away from the model), but a …show more content…
Social comparison theory (Festinger, 1954) would suggest that when there is a discrepancy between the self and a comparison target, competitive behavior is generated. Research utilizing a mate-guarding prime found increased attention to attractive members of one’s own sex among men who were concerned with the threats posed by intrasexual competitors (Maner, Gailliot, Rouby, & Miller, 2007). Furthermore, research has shown that intrasexual competition through the use of a mating prime increased competitiveness among males (Buunk & Massar, 2012). Finally, in a correlational study, measures of intrasexual competition were significantly related to social comparison among males (Buunk & Fisher,