Threat as a determinant of downward comparison

Abstract The present experiment examined comparison choice under two conditions of threat in which the probable dissimilarity of the available Others from the subjects varied, according to the precomparison information. It was observed that the choices of the subjects in the High-Threat condition focused upon more dissimilar Others than did the choices of the subjects in the Low-Threat condition. Since the precomparison probability that the more dissimilar Others would prove to be worse off (i.e., more hostile) than the subjects was greater, this observation was interpreted as evidence of the occurrence of defensive social comparison. Such comparisons, it was suggested, primarily function to reduce the threat of unexpectedly negative information about oneself rather than providing a basis for an accurate self-assessment.