ABSTRACT
When an aspiring tennis player encounters a more skilled and successful player, she may compare her abilities to those of the superior other. This upward comparison may have a negative impact, leaving her feeling inadequate, incompetent, or inferior. However, it is also possible that the comparison might have the opposite effect, leaving her feeling inspired and enhanced. When a math student encounters another math major who has failed and has been asked to leave the program, he may compare his abilities to the inferior other, and consequently feel superior, successful, and satisfied with his own performance. However, it is also possible that he will feel vulnerable to a similar fate, and will therefore be distressed and demoralized by this downward comparison. What determines whether these upward and downward comparisons will have a positive or a negative impact on the self?
