ABSTRACT
Helm and Möller present dimensional comparison theory (DCT). It states that people conduct comparisons between different dimensions, e.g., their achievements and attributes in different areas, in order to form their self-concepts in these areas. Dimensional comparisons often lead to contrast effects, that is, achievements or attributes in one area negatively affect self-concepts in the other area. This contrast effect is also indicated by more positive correlations between the two achievements or attributes than between the two self-concepts. Whereas previous research was conducted in educational psychology and with respect to students’ self-concepts in, for instance, mathematics and languages, recent research shows that DCT also applies to self-concepts regarding agency and communion.
