Social comparison orientation as related to two types of closeness

Two studies examined the relationship between social comparison orientation (SCO) and two types of closeness (dimensional closeness and psychological closeness) in the context of appearance-related comparisons among women. A pilot study showed that these two types were relatively independent constructs, and provided evidence for the differential validity of the constructs. Consistent with our expectations, women high in SCO perceived more dimensional closeness with other women in terms of appearance (Study 1, n = 94) and perceived more psychological closeness with other women (Study 2; n = 126) than women low in SCO. Overall, women, but especially women high in SCO, reported most dimensional closeness in response to the most attractive women and most psychological closeness in response to women of medium levels of attractiveness.

► Women high in SCO perceive more dimensional closeness in terms of appearance. ► Women high in SCO feel more psychologically close to other women. ► Women, regardless of their SCO, feel closer to attractive women. ► Women high in SCO perceive more dimensional closeness to attractive women. ► Women high in SCO feel psychologically closest to women of medium levels of attractiveness.