Social anxiety linked to unfavorable and unstable social comparisons

New research published the Journal of Abnormal Psychology suggests that social comparisons play an important role in social anxiety. The findings provide evidence that people with social anxiety view themselves as inferior or deficient compared to others, which in turn is related to worsened mood. “We regularly compare ourselves to other people to determine where we fall on the social hierarchy,” said study author Fallon R. Goodman, an assistant professor at the University of South Florida and director of the Emotion and Resilience Lab. “Am I happier than others? More successful? More attracti...