Social Comparisons in Novel Situations: Finding Inspiration During Life Transitions

The authors propose that individuals transitioning to a novel environment will prefer upward comparisons,particularly those made with individuals who have experienced a similar transition. such comparisons help to reduce uncertainty and demonstrate that future success is possible. study 1 found that individuals facing transitions to unfamiliar situations seek upward comparisons as a result of their uncertainty. study 2 demonstrated that individuals who perceive themselves to be making a significant life transition are especially motivated by upward comparisons. study 3 provided evidence that upward comparisons are especially inspiring to individuals making a transition to a novel cultural environment. study 4 provided experimental evidence that individuals in a novel cultural environment are particularly inspired by upward comparisons with other newcomers. these studies suggest that upward comparisons with individuals who have experienced a similar transition enhance individuals' sense of control over future outcomes and play a key role during adjustment to novel environments. © 2012 by the society for personality and social psychology,inc.