SOCIAL-COMPARISON IN AEROBIC EXERCISE CLASSES - PROPOSITIONS FOR ANALYZING MOTIVES AND PARTICIPATION

Social comparison theory, which suggests that humans are compelled to compare themselves with others, has rarely been addressed in the leisu re literature. However, the use of social comparison theory may be par ticularly relevant for the study of leisure behavior, especially in hi ghly social environments such as aerobic exercise classes. In this art icle, we suggest 14 propositions that evolve from a review of social c omparison thoery and literature on exercise classes. The propositions are grouped under the following headings: self-motives of social compa rison, involvement and social comparison, cultural aspects of social c omparison for women and men, and media images and social comparisons. The propositions suggest that social comparisons occur in exercise cla sses and that these comparisons affect and are affected by level of pa rticipation and type of recreational experience. We suggest also that the specific forms of social comparisons that occur are related to cul tural factors and are influenced by gender and by the media. The propo sitions are intended to stimulate and guide empirical research related to social comparison theory in the context of leisure behavior.