Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026

The Joint Effect of Social Comparison and Social Distance on Evaluation of Intertemporal Choice Outcomes in Event-related Potential Studies
Published on: August 25, 2023
The hubris hypothesis: The downside of comparative optimism displays
Vera Hoorens1, Carolien Van Damme1, Marie Helweg-Larsen2
1Center for Social and Cultural Psychology, KU Leuven - Leuven University, Tiensestraat 102, Mailbox 3727, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract:
According to the hubris hypothesis, observers respond more unfavorably to individuals who express their positive self-views comparatively than to those who express their positive self-views non-comparatively, because observers infer that the former hold a more disparaging view of others and particularly of observers. Two experiments extended the hubris hypothesis in the domain of optimism. Observers attributed less warmth (but not less competence) to, and showed less interest in affiliating with, an individual displaying comparative optimism (the belief that one's future will be better than others' future) than with an individual displaying absolute optimism (the belief that one's future will be good). Observers responded differently to individuals displaying comparative versus absolute optimism, because they inferred that the former held a gloomier view of the observers' future. Consistent with previous research, observers still attributed more positive traits to a comparative or absolute optimist than to a comparative or absolute pessimist.
Related Concept Videos
Unrealistic Optimism Bias
Self-Serving Bias
Fundamental Attribution Error
Hindsight Biases
Motivational Bias
Self-Discrepancy Theory

