THE ROLE OF SOCIAL COMPARISONS PROCESSES IN THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ADAPTATION OF ELDERLY ADULTS

Social comparison processes were investigated as mechanisms by which e lderly women maintain or enhance their psychological well-being in the face of health-related threats or loss. In Study 1, a measure of soci al comparisons was tested, and a preliminary model of the effects of h ealth and social comparisons on depression was examined (N = 42). In S tudy 2, a separate sample of elderly women (N = 243) completed self-re port measures concerning physical health, upward and down ward social comparison processes, and positive and negative aspects of psychologic al adaptation. A s predicted, worse physical health status was linked to more frequent social comparisons; however, more positive social com parisons were related to better mental health outcomes, even for women in poor health. In fact, the effects of social comparisons were stron gest for women in the poorest health, resulting in psychological outco mes similar to women in good health. Thus, social comparisons appear t o play a significant role in psychological well-being in old age. The findings also point to the importance of distinguishing between freque ncy and consequences of social comparison processes.