Sources of Self-Esteem III: Social Comparison

Social comparison is the process of evaluating one’s performance as successes or failures by comparing it against personal goals, self-expectations, or the performance of others.

For instance, receiving a B on a math exam may boost self-esteem if one expects a C but lower it if one aims for an A. Self-esteem also depends on whether peers earned mostly As or Cs.

Individuals typically receive evaluative feedback from those in their immediate social circles, such as family, peers, teachers, and work associates.

Likewise, individuals tend to compare themselves with others who are similar in age, background, or ability.

Additionally, individuals often make upward comparisons with more successful individuals.

Research shows that being in a homogeneous group can positively impact self-esteem.

For instance, Black students attending colleges with a higher percentage of Black peers reported increased post-college self-esteem.

Similarly, Chinese adults in Los Angeles County who lived in predominantly Chinese neighborhoods and engaged in Chinese cultural practices reported higher self-esteem than those who lived in predominantly white neighborhoods.