Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
07:57
A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
Social comparisons, health and well-being
1Paris School of Economics (PSE), CNRS, 48, boulevard Jourdan, 75014 Paris, France. Andrew.Clark@ens.fr
Revue D'Epidemiologie Et De Sante Publique
|July 13, 2013
Summary
Social comparisons of income within social networks influence health. These economic comparisons may explain health disparities across socioeconomic groups, highlighting the social determinants of health.
Area of Science:
- Social epidemiology
- Health economics
- Sociology of health
Background:
- Health and well-being are significantly influenced by social factors.
- Social comparison theory posits individuals evaluate themselves by comparing to others.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of social comparisons in health.
- To investigate if income comparisons contribute to the social gradient in health.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of social networks and individual health outcomes.
- Examination of income and socioeconomic status within comparison groups.
Main Results:
- Social comparisons, particularly regarding income, are linked to health status.
- Evidence suggests these comparison effects contribute to observed health inequalities.
Conclusions:
- Socially determined factors, including economic comparisons, play a crucial role in health outcomes.
- Understanding social comparison mechanisms is vital for addressing health disparities.
Keywords:
Bien-êtreChômageComparaisonsComparisonsDivorceGradient social de santéIncomeReligionRevenuSocial health gradientUnemploymentWell-beingMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Sources of Self-Esteem III: Social Comparison
Social comparison plays a fundamental role in the evaluation of personal success and self-worth. Rather than assessing our achievements in isolation, we interpret their significance relative to personal goals and critically in comparison to the performance of others. A grade of B in a mathematics exam might elicit pride if one's expectation was a C, yet result in disappointment if an A was anticipated or if peers achieved superior results. These comparative evaluations illustrate how both...
01:30Social Relationships and Well-Being
The significance of social relationships in psychological well-being is a well-established area of inquiry within social psychology. Research consistently demonstrates that the presence of meaningful, supportive relationships enhances emotional health, while the absence or deterioration of such connections can contribute to psychological distress. Relationships serve as a foundation for emotional support, identity, and social belonging, all of which are critical to an individual’s overall...
02:57The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
According to Charles Cooley, we base our image on what we think other people see (Cooley 1902). We imagine how we must appear to others, then react to this speculation. We don certain clothes, prepare our hair in a particular manner, wear makeup, use cologne, and the like—all with the notion that our presentation of ourselves is going to affect how others perceive us. We expect a certain reaction, and, if lucky, we get the one we desire and feel good about it. But more than that, Cooley...
01:21Dimensions of Health and Illness
The factors influencing the health-illness continuum can be internal or external and may or may not be under conscious control. They are related to the following eight human dimensions, and each dimension is interrelated to one other.
01:25Importance of Need for Affiliation
The need for affiliation is a fundamental human motive that drives individuals to form and maintain interpersonal relationships. This universal drive varies in intensity among individuals due to genetic predispositions and life experiences, shaping it into a relatively stable personality trait. Social inclusion enhances emotional well-being by fulfilling the need for affiliation, whereas social exclusion leads to distress, negative emotions, and cognitive impairments.Psychological and Emotional...
02:12Relationship Formation
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...