There has been an increase in research examining how social comparison processes can impact individuals' self-worth, motivation, and emotional health. This is particularly relevant for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ) due to the unique challenges they face regarding their identity development, societal discrimination, and mental health concerns. Social comparisons are defined as "the process whereby people assess themselves in relation to others" and involve comparing one's own characteristics against those of another individual or group (Festinger & Carlsmith, 1959; Tesser, 2006). These comparisons can take place between same-sex and opposite-sex peers within LGBTQ communities, as well as across different demographic groups such as race, age, gender, and socioeconomic status (Cohen et al., 2004; Fehr et al., 2018; Hess & Gleichgerrcht, 2020). The present study aims to explore how these various types of social comparisons influence LGBTQ individuals' self-worth, motivation, and emotional health, with specific attention given to the role of sexual orientation and gender identity.
The Role of Sexual Orientation
Sexual orientation refers to an individual's enduring pattern of romantic, erotic, or sexual attraction to members of either the same sex (gay or lesbian), both sexes (bisexual), or the opposite sex (heterosexual) (American Psychological Association APA, 2017). Within LGBTQ communities, research has found that individuals who identify as gay or bisexual tend to engage in more frequent upward social comparisons than their heterosexual counterparts, while downward comparisons are less common (King et al., 2013; Liu et al., 2020). This suggests that they may be more likely to compare themselves positively against other gays and bisexuals, leading to increased self-esteem and positive mood. Conversely, heterosexual individuals may experience increased feelings of depression and anxiety when exposed to upward comparisons involving LGBTQ peers due to internalized homophobia or negative stereotypes about queer identities (Carrillo et al., 2014; Green & Stryker, 2016).
It is important to note that this trend may vary depending on factors such as societal stigma, cultural context, and personal experiences within the community.
Gender Identity and Social Comparison Processes
Gender identity refers to an individual's sense of self as male, female, neither, both, or another gender, regardless of biological sex characteristics (APA, 2017). Transgender individuals face unique challenges related to their gender expression and identity development compared to cisgender people, which can lead to heightened levels of stress and psychological distress (Savin-Williams & Joyner, 2016). Research has found that transgender individuals report engaging in more frequent upward social comparisons with other transgender peers regarding physical appearance, romantic relationships, and career success, but also tend to make downward comparisons across various demographic groups (Matthews et al., 2018). These findings suggest that transgender individuals may use upward comparisons to validate their identity and feel a sense of belonging within the broader LGBTQ community, while also feeling comfortable around those who are different from them based on race, age, or socioeconomic status. Downward comparisons may also serve as a coping mechanism for trans individuals facing discrimination or rejection due to their gender identity, leading to increased feelings of worthlessness and depression (Kim et al., 2015; Savin-Williams et al., 2014). Further research is needed to explore how these processes may differ between trans men, women, nonbinary individuals, and intersex persons.
Impact on Self-Worth, Motivation, and Emotional Health
Social comparisons have been linked to both positive and negative outcomes for individuals' self-worth, motivation, and emotional health.
When comparing oneself positively against others, it can result in increased self-esteem and confidence, whereas downward comparisons can lead to decreased self-esteem and lowered motivation (Cohen et al., 2004; Liu et al., 2020). Similarly, upward social comparisons with other LGBTQ peers can increase perceived peer support and belonging within the community, which has been associated with improved mental health and well-being (Hess & Gleichgerrcht, 2020; King et al., 2013).
Research has also found that frequent upward comparisons across various demographic groups may be associated with increased levels of anxiety and depression among LGBTQ individuals (Carrillo et al., 2014; Green & Stryker, 2016), highlighting the complex relationship between social comparison processes and emotional health.
Understanding how social comparisons impact different aspects of identity development and psychological functioning is critical for supporting positive mental health outcomes within LGBTQ communities.
How do social comparison processes within LGBTQ communities influence self-worth, motivation, and emotional health?
Social comparison refers to the process of comparing oneself with others, either real or imagined, to evaluate personal qualities such as abilities, achievements, and worth. Within LGBTQ communities, social comparisons can have significant effects on self-worth, motivation, and emotional health. On one hand, individuals may compare themselves positively with other members of their community who have achieved notable successes or reached milestones that they aspire to achieve themselves.