Moderating variables in the relationship between social comparison and depression: an evolutionary perspective.

This study investigated the relationship between social comparison and depression utilizing an evolutionary framework. It investigated the moderating effects on social comparison of the importance of comparison dimensions to the person, and of the perceived importance of the dimensions to other people. An adaptation of a measure of self-esteem (Self Attributes Questionnaire; Pelham & Swann, 1989) was utilized. This consisted of 10-point Likert scale ratings on 10 individual social comparison dimensions (e.g. intelligence, social skills, sense of humour). Questions were added to explore beliefs regarding the importance of social comparison dimensions. Data were collected from a combined clinical sample and non-clinical sample of 174 people. The findings support the prediction that the relationship between social comparison on a particular dimension and depression is moderated by the perceived importance of that dimension in attracting the interest of others.