The concept of social comparison refers to the tendency for individuals to compare their characteristics and abilities against those of others. This process can have both positive and negative effects on an individual's wellbeing and mental health, particularly among members of marginalized groups like the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) community. In this article, we will explore how social comparisons within LGBTQ communities affect self-esteem, belonging, and identity coherence, using empirical evidence from psychological research and real-world examples.
Social Comparison in LGBTQ Communities
Social comparison has been studied extensively within LGBTQ communities, with many studies examining the impact that it has on factors such as body image, sexual satisfaction, and overall life satisfaction.
One study found that gay men who compared themselves favorably to other gay men reported higher levels of body satisfaction than those who did not engage in social comparison. Similarly, another study found that lesbians who engaged in upward social comparison (comparing themselves to women who were more feminine or had more masculine partners) reported lower levels of depression and anxiety than those who engaged in downward comparison (comparing themselves to less feminine or less masculine women). These findings suggest that social comparison can play a significant role in shaping LGBTQ individuals' perceptions of themselves and their place within their communities.
Self-Esteem and Belonging
Self-esteem refers to an individual's overall sense of worth and value, while belonging refers to feelings of acceptance and inclusion within a particular group or community. Research suggests that both of these factors are closely related to social comparison within LGBTQ communities. One study found that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who compared themselves favorably to their peers tended to have higher levels of self-esteem than those who did not engage in social comparison. Another study found that gay men who felt they belonged to their community reported higher levels of psychological wellbeing than those who did not feel like they fit in.
These findings highlight the importance of positive social comparisons for maintaining high self-esteem and feeling like one belongs to a supportive community.
Negative social comparisons can also lead to feelings of inadequacy and exclusion, which may contribute to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
One study found that bisexuals who felt pressure from others to identify exclusively as either gay or straight experienced higher levels of internalized biphobia (negative attitudes towards oneself due to being bisexual) than those who did not perceive this pressure. This suggests that negative social comparisons can have serious consequences for LGBTQ individuals' mental health and wellbeing.
Identity Coherence
Identity coherence refers to the degree to which an individual feels that their identity aligns with their behavior and values. Social comparison within LGBTQ communities can also impact identity coherence by shaping how individuals view themselves and their place in society.
One study found that transgender individuals who engaged in upward social comparison (comparing themselves to cisgender people who were more masculine or feminine) reported higher levels of identity coherence than those who engaged in downward comparison (comparing themselves to less masculine or less feminine cisgender individuals). Similarly, another study found that lesbians who compared themselves favorably to other lesbians reported greater feelings of authenticity and integrity than those who did not engage in social comparison.
These findings suggest that social comparison plays a complex role in shaping LGBTQ individuals' identities and sense of belonging within their communities. While positive social comparisons can lead to increased self-esteem and feelings of inclusion, negative social comparisons can contribute to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. By understanding the mechanisms behind social comparison, we can work to create more supportive and inclusive environments for all members of the LGBTQ community.
How does social comparison within LGBTQ communities affect self-esteem, belonging, and identity coherence?
There is evidence that individuals who belong to minority groups such as LGBTQ people often compare themselves to others within their group in order to establish and maintain positive self-esteem, belonging, and identity coherence. Social comparisons can take various forms, including comparing oneself to specific peers or imagining what it would be like to have certain characteristics, abilities, or experiences.