How does social comparison within a self-help group influence adjustment to chronic illness? A longitudinal study

Area of Science:

• Health Psychology
• Chronic Illness Management
• Social Support Systems

Background:

• Self-help groups are increasingly popular for chronic illness but their impact on adjustment is under-researched.
• Social comparison is a key mechanism within groups, potentially influencing illness adjustment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of social comparison in self-help groups for adjusting to chronic illness.
• To test a model of adjustment incorporating social comparison, disease severity, and psychological factors.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 301 individuals with Ménière's disease completed questionnaires at baseline and 10-month follow-up.
• Assessed adjustment (quality of life), antecedents (demographics, psychological factors), disease severity, and social comparison mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Positive social comparison correlated with better adjustment, while negative social comparison correlated with worse adjustment.
• Higher overall social comparison at baseline predicted a decline in quality of life over 10 months.

Conclusions:

• Social comparison within self-help groups has a dual effect on chronic illness adjustment.
• The findings suggest a complex relationship between social comparison and long-term quality of life in chronic illness.