Jaclyn Margolis Discusses the Benefits of Social Comparisons in Psychology Today

"Comparison is the thief of joy," but reframing how we perceive others could actually prove beneficial if done correctly. Jaclyn Margolis, associate professor of applied behavioral science at the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, discusses the benefits of social comparisons in her new article for Psychology Today, “Stop Demonizing the Idea of Comparing Yourself to Others.” 

According to Margolis, social comparisons can fuel, rather than hurt, self-esteem when individuals define success using the lens of personal growth. The article offers advice on turning social comparison into a productive process, including framing the competition’s success as a role model, focusing on similarities, and setting personal goals for growth. 

The full op-ed can be viewed here.