Downward Social Comparison and State Anxiety: The Role of Self-Relevance Anxiety

Abstract

This study investigates whether downward social comparison (DSC) reduces state anxiety and whether this effect is moderated by self-relevance. In a between-subjects quasi-experimental design, 58 university students were classified into high or low self-relevance groups, randomly assigned to either a DSC or neutral condition, and completed pre- and post-task anxiety assessments. Contrary to predictions, DSC increased anxiety (M = 2.79, SD = 5.43) while the neutral condition reduced it (M = -2.62, SD = 7.65), F(1, 54) = 9.59, p < .001. Neither the main effect nor the moderating effect of self-relevance was supported. Findings suggest DSC may heighten anxiety by triggering self-referential thinking and perceived vulnerability, even in low self-relevance contexts, whereas neutral tasks may reduce it through distraction. These results challenge the assumption that DSC is protective and highlight the need to examine how comparisons impact individuals’ well-being.