Self-enhancement by social comparison: a prospective analysis.
A longitudinal investigation showed that self-enhancement by social comparison (assessing whether people perceive themselves more positively than they perceive others) was prospectively related to an increase in self-reported adjustment, controlling for the effects of narcissism. Better adjustment, including higher self-esteem, was not prospectively related to an increase in self-enhancement. The investigation also included a diary period, allowing the assessment of intrasubject covariation between daily reports of self-esteem and daily reports of perceived challenge and daily events (positive or negative). High (compared to low) self-enhancers were less likely to report lower self-esteem under higher challenge and less likely to report higher self-esteem under positive events.
Zuckerman
Miron
M
Department of Clinical & Social Sciences in Psychology, University of Rochester, NY 14627-0266, USA. miron@psych.rochester.edu
O'Loughlin
Ryan E
RE
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007088:Illusions; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D009289:Narcissism; D010379:Peer Group; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012649:Self Concept; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012938:Social Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires