With Festinger's social comparison theory,comparisons are often made with people who are slightly better than we are,called upward social comparisons,and with those who are slightly worse off than we are,called downward social comparisons.

Downward Social Comparisons

Comparing oneself with others who are worse off in order to feel better about one's own situation.

Upward Social Comparisons

Comparing oneself with others who are perceived to be superior in some way, which can affect one's self-esteem and motivations.

Social Comparison Theory

A theory suggesting that individuals determine their own worth based on how they stack up against others.