Development and Initial Validation of the Social Impression Comparison Scale (Sics)

Bibliographic Data

ID21352249
AuthorsPascal Schlechter (0000-0002-5916-3694, University of Münster, corresponding author), Thomas Meyer (0000-0001-7228-5365, University of Münster), Thole H Hoppen (0000-0002-6050-8696, University of Münster), Naser Morina (0000-0002-2331-9140, New School), Nexhmedin Morina (University of Münster)
Year2026
Volume108
Issue3
Pages385-402
Publication date2026-05-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Personality Assessment (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-3891 • E-ISSN: 1532-7752
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00223891.2025.2581668
PMID41201190
OpenAlexW4415994425
LanguageEN
References cited72

Perceived social impressions – namely, how individuals believe they come across in social situations – are often evaluated by engaging in social comparison. Such evaluations may shape cognition, affect, and behavior. However, a validated measure to assess social impression comparisons is lacking. Therefore, we developed and validated the Social Impression Comparison Scale (SICS) that assesses the frequency of upward and downward social comparison of social impressions, the perceived discrepancy to the standard, and the affective impact of these comparisons during the last three weeks, in two studies (Ns = 478/507). Confirmatory factor analyses supported the hypothesized two-factor model, representing upward and downward comparison, displaying better model fit than a one-factor model. The scale demonstrated measurement invariance across gender, probable social anxiety disorder diagnosis, and studies. Upward comparison correlated with comparison-related variables, mental health, and other relevant variables, supporting the scale’s validity cross-sectionally, during an Ecological Momentary Assessment, and at the three-month follow-up. Downward comparison showed less consistent correlations. In multiple regression models, all comparison indicators (frequency, discrepancy, and affect) of upward and downward comparisons showed distinct associations with specific outcomes. The SICS is free-to-use, efficient, and appears reliable and valid, with broad applicability across several contexts

Confirmatory factor analysis · Impression · Impression formation · Impression management · Psychometrics · Scale (ratio) · Social anxiety · Social comparison theory · Social desirability · Social perception · Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Mental Health via Writing

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