Adolescents’ Social Comparisons, Subjective Social Status, and Coping to Maintain Well-Being: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Income inequality has increased in the United States over the past decades and, more recently, social media has expanded adolescents’ reference groups and their field of social comparison. These parallel societal changes may influence adolescents’ social identity development and affect their well-being. We interviewed adolescents in contact with health services to understand their experiences with social status differences and social comparisons. In this sample of adolescents, social comparisons varied, based on context and individual characteristics, and were associated with a range of feelings and coping mechanisms. We highlight the implications of the findings in the context of changing societal dynamics.