The Role of Social Comparison Orientation in Shaping Self-Concept Clarity

Abstract

Social comparison orientation and self-concept clarity are two increasingly relevant psychological constructs in today’s hyper-connected and socially competitive world. This study aims to understand the role of social comparison orientations in shaping an individual’s self-concept clarity. It is hypothesized that individuals with higher levels of social comparison are more likely to have poor self-concept clarity. A total of 102 respondents across Karnataka participated. They completed the Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Scale and Self-Concept Clarity Scale. Data collection was conducted via offline methods and Google Forms, and statistical analyses include chi-square tests and Pearson’s correlation were used. Results showed that the majority of the sample exhibited low social comparison orientation (87.3%), with only a small proportion reporting high levels (12.7%). A significant negative relationship was found between social comparison orientation and self-concept clarity, with ability comparison showing a stronger association than opinion comparison, indicating that greater tendencies toward social comparison are associated with lower levels of self-concept clarity. These findings highlight the psychological impact of comparative thinking on one’s sense of self among young adults and underscore the need for interventions that promote stable self-concept development independent of social comparison.