In-Group Versus Out-Group Comparisons and Self-Esteem

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Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that group status of comparison other (ingroup vs. outgroup) and direcion of compassion (upward vs. downward) interact to affect comparers' self-evaluations and affective reactions. As predicted, individuals who compared unfavorably with in-group members reported lower selfsteem and more depressed affect and made lower ability attributions than individuals who compared unfavorably with out-group members. Furthmore, those who compared unfavorably with out-group members reported levels of self-steem and depressed affect comparable to those who compared favorably with others. Group membership of comparison other did not moderate reactions to downward comparisons. Results are discussed in terms of the self-protective nature of social comparisons.