Feeling good after praise for a successful performance

The importance of social comparison information

Bibliographic Data

ID15411313
AuthorsLeslie M Gaines (University of Kentucky), Jamieson L Duvall (University of Kentucky), J Matthew Webster (0000-0002-8197-0329, University of Kentucky), Richard H Smith (University of Kentucky, corresponding author)
Year2005
Volume4
Issue4
Pages373-389
Publication date2005-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSelf and Identity (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1529-8868 • E-ISSN: 1529-8876
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/15298860500280223
OpenAlexW2093524159
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited50

This study examined the role of social comparisons in producing the satisfaction that often follows from praise. Participants received no praise, comparison-free praise (without explicit social comparison information), and social comparison praise (with explicit social comparison information) after successfully completing a challenging intellectual task. In addition, they either received or did not receive performance norms indicating superior relative performance. Praise only led to greater feelings of satisfaction compared to the no praise, norm absent condition when it was also joined with social comparison information, either provided directly through social comparison praise or through performance norms. The presence of performance norms also enhanced satisfaction. Overall, participants' perceptions of superior relative performance mediated the effects of social comparison praise and of norm information on feelings of satisfaction

Developmental psychology · Feeling · Norm (philosophy · Perception · Political science · Praise · Social comparison theory · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Cultural Differences and Values · Psychology · Social and Intergroup Psychology · Social Psychology