Social comparisons among women with breast cancer: A longitudinal investigation

We examined social comparisons made by women with breast cancer who participated in peer-support interventions. This setting, in which participants were exposed to similar others, allowed for a longitudinal investigation of the frequency, antecedents, and consequences of social comparison. Consistent with the literature, the majority of comparisons were made to worse-off others (downward), and the majority of comparisons were associated with positive affect (positive comparisons). Low self-esteem, low internal locus of control, and high illness uncertainty were associated with making more negative comparisons. In addition, negative comparisons were associated with a decrease in perceived control and an increase in uncertainty over time, whereas positive downward comparisons were associated with an increase in self-esteem. Implications Tor support groups are discussed.