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Related Experiment Videos

Comparison-level preferences after performance: is downward comparison theory still useful?

Frederick X Gibbons1, David J Lane, Meg Gerrard

  • 1Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, Ames 50011, USA. fgibbons@iastate.edu

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|October 11, 2002
PubMed
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Recent studies questioned downward comparison (DC) theory. This research found that poor performance leads individuals to lower their preferred comparison level, sometimes increasing interest in comparing with those worse off, supporting a modified DC theory.

Area of Science:

  • Social Psychology
  • Social Comparison Theory

Background:

  • Downward comparison (DC) theory by T. A. Wills (1981) is foundational but faces recent criticism.
  • Studies have failed to consistently support the link between threat, negative affect, and the desire for downward comparison.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the principles of downward comparison theory.
  • To resolve controversy regarding the conditions under which individuals engage in downward comparison.

Main Methods:

  • Five studies examined preferred comparison level (PCL) following performance.
  • Four studies also assessed changes in PCL.

Main Results:

  • Results supported DC theory with modifications.
  • Individuals performing poorly lowered their PCLs.

Related Experiment Videos

  • A downward shift in PCL sometimes increased interest in comparing with worse-off others.

    • Conclusions:

    • Downward comparison theory is supported, but requires refinement.
    • Performance outcomes significantly influence preferred comparison levels.
    • The findings reconcile conflicting results in previous research on social comparison.