Bouncing Back

Danielle Arigo: Social Comparison as an Intervention for Behavior Change | Bouncing Back #11

Are you tired of constantly comparing yourself to others and feeling like you’re falling short? You’re not alone! Break the habit of comparing yourself to others. This episode with Dr. Danielle Arigo will guide you!

Meet Dr. Danielle Arigo

Dr. Danielle Arigo is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Rowan University in New Jersey (USA). She also holds appointments at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University and Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, and she is also a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in health psychology and behavioral medicine, including understanding connections between mental and physical health and using the science of behavior change to support healthy behaviors such as physical activity, weight control, and chronic illness self-management. 

Furthermore, Dr. Arigo’s research has a particular emphasis on social comparison or self-evaluations relative to other people. She and her team focus on understanding the effects of comparisons and how they can best be used to promote healthy behavior.

About the episode

In this episode hosted by Tia Harmer, Dr. Arigo explained what social comparison was. She said that it is the process of evaluating oneself in relation to other people. It involves noticing similarities and differences between oneself and others and can lead to various emotional reactions. 

Moreover, according to Dr. Arigo, social comparisons can be conscious or unconscious, and the ones that elicit emotions are typically the ones you are more aware of. This evaluation can be both positive and negative, depending on the context and individual factors.

From a positive perspective, social comparison can be a source of inspiration and motivation. On the other hand, social comparison can have negative effects, particularly when it leads to feelings of inferiority, anxiety, or self-doubt. Comparing oneself to others who seem more successful or accomplished can evoke negative emotions and lower self-esteem.

In conclusion

Social comparison is a complex phenomenon, and its effects can vary from person to person. The outcomes are not solely determined by the act of comparison itself but also by how individuals interpret and respond to the information they receive. So for you to be able to handle it positively, it is important to understand yourself, recognize what is truly important, and make decisions aligned with your personal values and goals.

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