The Ups and Downs of Being Us: Cross-Relationship Comparisons in Daily Life. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thai, Sabrina; Lockwood, Penelope; Page-Gould, Elizabeth
• Is Part Of: Personality & social psychology bulletin. Volume 48:Number 12(2022)
• Page Start: 1717
• Page End: 1736
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: social comparison -- romantic relationships -- experience sampling -- relationship satisfaction -- the self; Personality -- Periodicals; Social psychology -- Periodicals; 302
• DOI: 10.1177/01461672211056774
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-1672

Abstract

Cross-relationship comparisons are an integral part of relationship processes, yet little is known about the impact of these comparisons in daily life. The present research employed a dyadic experience-sampling methodology ( N = 78 couples) with end-of-day surveys, end-of-week follow-up, and a 6-month follow-up to examine how individuals make cross-relationship comparisons in daily life, the cumulative impact of these comparisons over time, and the dyadic consequences of such comparisons. Participants made more downward than upward comparisons; however, upward comparisons had a more lasting impact, resulting in decreased satisfaction and optimism, and less positive self-perceptions and partner perceptions, at the end of each day and the week. Individuals who made more upward comparisons were also less satisfied 6 months later. Individuals were also affected by their partner's comparisons: On days when partners made more upward comparisons, they felt less satisfied and optimistic about their relationship and less positive about themselves and their partner.