What Is Social Comparison Theory?

Take our Self-Esteem Test

Find a therapist near me

Social comparisons are everywhere and have potent effects on our lives.

People who share related attributes feel the most powerful effects.

These effects extend to how our children compare with other children.

"Did she do that? Did she do that?" said the mother of my daughter's friend, her eyes wide and her jaw dropped — her entire system in a state of shock.

She had just arrived at the daycare center to pick up her daughter. Near the entrance was a chalkboard where the kids were encouraged to draw unrestricted.

Some minutes earlier, my daughter and her daughter had both been drawing stick figures. I had arrived early, and my daughter had pleaded with me to "draw some people." However, the daycare center had a strict policy against parents helping their kids; kids should develop independence while at the center.

Gently, I reminded her that I wasn't allowed to help, but she persisted. And so after checking that no staff........

© Psychology Today