Upward Social Comparison Essay Examples

Social psychology plays a role in helping individuals understand themselves as well as the feelings and behaviors of other individuals. Self-concept is how one perceives and think about themselves. In social comparison theory, people are often comparing themselves to others. Upward social comparison occurs when an individual is comparing themselves to someone more successful than they are in aspects of abilities and skills. Self- fulfilling prophecy is an idea or prediction that is fulfilled due to the thought that alters the behavior.

The curiosity of how and why an individual behaves the way they do has crossed my mind several times. Through social psychology it has enabled me to understand many things including ideas and concepts that I

He stated that people often compare themselves to others and make judgements. People evaluate their own attitudes and beliefs when comparing to others. They are two types of social comparison, one that I can relate to is upward social comparison. Upward social is when an individual compares themselves to someone that is doing or achieving greater things than we are. One has the desire to do the same or look for ways so one can possess the same qualities or achieve the same results. This concept benefits me because I am constantly comparing myself to others. Social media is a factor in which many individuals like myself are often found being compared to others. Many models and individuals who are very fit and athletic always pop out on the newsfeed. I was not very active before and I did not like working out. However, looking at social media helped shape the concept that I wanted to get fit as well. I started comparing myself and wanted to achieve similar results as well. On Instagram, a product called Shredz would come out and many individuals would discuss their goals and their weight loss stories. Many did not need to lose weight but the products of Shredz helped them get very muscular and toned. These Shredz products started becoming popular that it motivated me to work hard and eat healthy so I can be displayed on their page as well. With commitment, determination, and positivity, I worked hard and managed to lose

It can be directed at oneself and the thought alters the behavior. Not only does it affect our decisions, but the behavior of ourselves and others. Individuals can suppress into the stereotype or observer bias. When I first started learning about self-fulling prophecy, I was also applying for graduate school. I would often doubt myself and think I was not going to get accepted. However, with this theory, it made me have a new perspective. What I did was I started telling people I knew I was certain I would get accepted or when someone would ask what I was to become I would state “I’m going to graduate school to become a school psychologist.” I had the mentality and confidence that I was going to attend graduate school, so I started acting like I was already accepted. Soon, I received my letter of acceptance. My confidence was so high that I decided to apply for a full-scholarship. I told myself I already have the scholarship so when I have the interview I can remain with that mentality. When I had the interview, I was very positive and confident. In return, I had done well which validated my self-assessment. Again, I received a call stating I got the scholarship. I now rely on self-fulfilling prophecy because it allows me to stay positive and confident so I can achieve my goals (“self-fulfilling