Changing Patterns of Comparative Behavior as Skills Are Acquired: A Functional Model of Self-Evaluation

Festinger’s (1954) original statement of social comparison emphasized the concept of uncertainty. According to this formulation, people are motivated to compare with others in order to resolve uncertainties about themselves when information available from more objective standards is inadequate. This formulation portrays the potential social comparer as an active seeker and constructor of meaning, strategically selecting information to maximize diagnostic value. Such a formulation is consistent with many theories that portray fundamental human nature as intrinsically driven toward mastery of the environment (Berlyne, 1966; Deci & Ryan, 1985; Harter, 1981; Piaget, 1952; Veroff & Veroff, 1980; White, 1959), and…