We compare ourselves with other people in different ways and situations, often unaware of how these comparisons affect our behaviors and mental health. Social comparison can be positive or negative, depending on the context. Over 70 years ago, social psychologist Leon Festinger published his theory on social comparisons, which has been elaborated upon by other researchers.
Social Comparison Theory
J. Stacy Adams‘s equity theory of motivation is a useful elaboration of Festinger’s work, originally applied to issues of fairness in the workplace. It can help us understand ourselves and motivate our behavior. According to Adams, we compare our inputs and outcomes with those of referents, such as another person, a group of people, or our younger self.
For example, if we perceive a co-worker as not working as hard as we do, yet receiving more rewards, we may feel stress due to the perceived unfairness. This stress can arise from the difference in inputs and outcomes between us and our referent.
Reducing Stress through Equity Theory
According to equity theory, we can reduce stress by changing our inputs, outcomes, or how we think about the situation. We can also change our referent or leave the situation altogether. For instance, we might work harder or smarter, or discuss our contributions and pay with our boss.
If both we and our referent have low inputs and low outcomes or high inputs and high outcomes, no tension should be created. However, if there is a mismatch between our inputs and outcomes and those of our referent, tension may arise.
Our perceptions of others may be right or wrong, and we often assume others value what we value. However, people may have different priorities, such as job satisfaction or freedom to work from home, rather than pay.
It’s worth considering the referents in our lives, as they can be a source of inspiration or misery. Thinking about our referents can be a useful exercise in understanding ourselves and our motivations.
As social comparison theory suggests, we can learn from our referents and use them to motivate ourselves. By understanding how we compare ourselves to others, we can gain insight into our own behaviors and mental health.
Individual Differences in Social Comparison
People may be concerned about different aspects of their lives, such as clothing, money, or job satisfaction, when making social comparisons. Some individuals may be more concerned about fairness and equity, while others may not be as bothered by perceived injustices.
Our memories of past experiences can also be faulty, leading to inaccurate comparisons. Additionally, our perceptions of others may be influenced by our own biases and assumptions.
In the context of social comparison, it’s essential to recognize that people have different values and priorities. By acknowledging these differences, we can better understand ourselves and our place in the world, and ultimately shape our own future.