Downward Comparison

Downward comparison is a psychological process where individuals evaluate themselves by comparing their situation or qualities to others who are less well-off or performing worse. This often helps boost self-esteem or foster feelings of gratitude. For example, someone might feel better about their own situation after learning about a friend's struggles. While it can provide temporary reassurance, relying too much on downward comparison may lead to complacency or insensitivity. It’s a natural tendency to gauge our worth, but it's important to balance it with realistic self-assessment and empathy for others.