Social Comparisons and Adjustment Among Cardiac Patients

Author: Helgeson, V.S.; Taylor, S.E.

Description: The research examined social comparisons, affiliative choices, and their relation to adjustment among patients in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Consistent with Taylor and Lobel (1989), evaluative and affiliative processes diverged, with patients making downward evaluations (Wills, 1981) but choosing to affiliate with those who were better off than themselves. Consistent with predictions, downward evaluation was associated with better psychological adjustment, supporting the idea that these comparisons meet self-enhancement needs; upward affiliations were associated with hopefulness and inspiration, as well as with the perception that such comparisons provide information that is useful for improving one’s own condition. The implications of evaluative comparison and affiliative activities for coping is discussed.

Subject headings: Affiliative choices; Cardiac rehabilitation; Downward evaluations

Publication year: 1993

Journal or book title: Journal of Applied Social Psychology

Volume: 23

Issue: 15

Pages: 1171-1195

Find the full text : http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1559-1816.1993.tb01027.x/abstract

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Type: Journal Article

Serial number: 885