The Relationship Between Social Comparison and Appearance Satisfaction

Examining Frequency and Direction as Factors

Abstract

　This study examined whether the frequency and direction of social comparisons relate to one’s appearance satisfaction. A web-based survey was conducted on 518 adults (253 men and 265 women), ranging in age from their 20s to 60s (M = 45.6 years, SD = 13.81). The results showed that the direction of social comparison was negatively related to appearance satisfaction. Among men, participants in the equivalent comparison group were less satisfied with their appearance than those in the downward comparison group, and those in the upward comparison group were less satisfied with their appearance than those in the equivalent comparison group. Among women, participants in the upward comparison group were less satisfied with their appearance than those in the downward and equivalent comparison groups. A low evaluation of his or her appearance through upward comparisons may have led to dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, ultimately resulting in low self-esteem.