Comparison-level preferences
after performance: Is downward
comparison theory still useful?
Frederick X. Gibbons, David J.
Lane, Meg Gerrard, Monica Reis-Bergan,
Carrie L. Lautrup, Nancy A. Pexa, Hart Blanton
(2002) Journal of Personality
& Social Psychology, 83(4), 865-880.
Although often credited with
prompting a paradigm shift in social comparison theory, T.A. Wills's (1981) downward comparison (DC) theory has received
some criticism recently. In particular,
several recent studies have failed to find support for Wills's
(1981) contention that threat and accompanying negative affect lead to a desire
for DC. These apparent failures have led
some investigators to question basic principles of the theory. To resolve this controversy, 5 studies were
conducted examining preferred comparison level (PCL) after performance; 4 of
the studies also assessed change in this preference. Results supported DC theory but with
modification. Specifically, individuals
who performed poorly lowered their PCLs. Under some circumstances, this "downward
shift" included an increased interest in "true" DC-comparing
with worse-off others. A reconciliation
of these results with those of previous studies is offered.