Development and Initial Validation of the Social Impression Comparison Scale (SICS)

Perceived social impressions - namely, how individuals believe they come across in social situations - are often evaluated by engaging in social comparison. Such evaluations may shape cognition, affect, and behavior. However, a validated measure to assess social impression comparisons is lacking. Therefore, we developed and validated the Social Impression Comparison Scale (SICS) that assesses the frequency of upward and downward social comparison of social impressions, the perceived discrepancy to the standard, and the affective impact of these comparisons during the last three weeks, in two studies (Ns = 478/507). Confirmatory factor analyses supported the hypothesized two-factor model, representing upward and downward comparison, displaying better model fit than a one-factor model. The scale demonstrated measurement invariance across gender, probable social anxiety disorder diagnosis, and studies. Upward comparison correlated with comparison-related variables, mental health, and other relevant variables, supporting the scale's validity cross-sectionally, during an Ecological Momentary Assessment, and at the three-month follow-up. Downward comparison showed less consistent correlations. In multiple regression models, all comparison indicators (frequency, discrepancy, and affect) of upward and downward comparisons showed distinct associations with specific outcomes. The SICS is free-to-use, efficient, and appears reliable and valid, with broad applicability across several contexts.