Social support as a moderator of the big-fish-in-a-little-pond effect in online self-help support groups

被引：18

作者：

Bane, Cynthia M. H.

Haymaker, Christopher M. B.

Zinchuk, Jessica

机构：

[1] Wartburg Coll, Dept Social Sci, Waverly, IA 50677 USA

[2] Clin Hlth Psychol PLC, Waterloo, IA USA

[3] Marquette Univ, Milwaukee, WI 53233 USA

来源：

JOURNAL OF APPLIED BIOBEHAVIORAL RESEARCH | 2005年 / 10卷 / 04期

关键词：

D O I：

10.1111/j.1751-9861.2005.tb00015.x

中图分类号：

B849 [应用心理学];

学科分类号：

040203 ;

摘要：

Downward social comparisons to others in a relatively unsuccessful group can bolster mood, a phenomenon known as the big-fish-in-a-little-pond effect (BFLPE). The current study examined social support as a moderator of the BFLPE in online weight-management support groups (SGs). Participants (N = 149) were recruited from weight-management message boards. In an Internet survey, participants made weight-related social comparisons to the average person and the average SG member. Big fish indicated that they would feel more self-pride after reading a downward social comparison message than did other participants, but the BFLPE occurred only for participants with lower weight-related social support. Social support could foster collective identity in online self-help support groups, reducing the BFLPE.

引用

页码：239 / 261

页数：23

共 37 条

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