Type of Document	Thesis
Author	Mitchell, Melissa A.
URN	etd-04202010-153430
Title	Consequences of Upward Social Comparisons in Social Anxiety
Degree	Master of Science
Department	Psychology, Department of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Norman B. Schmidt Committee Chair Jon Maner Committee Member Thomas Joiner Committee Member
Keywords	Social Comparison Social Anxiety
Date of Defense	2010-03-31
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract Although social comparisons have been observed in social anxiety, the effects from the direction of the social comparison have not been adequately tested in social anxiety. This study examined the impact of an upward comparison (UC) vs. same level comparison on negative self-appraisal, negative affect, and anxiety in high vs. low social anxiety. Participants read about another student’s adjustment to college in which the person has adjusted better/more smoothly or has adjusted similarly to the participants. Participants completed baseline and post-comparison measures of their negative self-appraisal, negative affect, and anxiety. Although results failed to support the study hypotheses, the manipulation appeared to mostly influence female, but not male participants. Limitations and future directions for examining social comparison in social anxiety are discussed.
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