The Social Comparison Theory Among Teenage Girls

Although many teenage girls may look at photos of thin models and strive to have the same figure, it does not mean they will all develop an eating disorder. The girls that do, have presumably run into a social comparison issue. The Social Comparison theory was introduced in 1954 by American Psychologist Leon Festinger. His theory states, “we engage in this comparison process as a way of establishing a benchmark by which we can make accurate evaluations of ourselves” (Cherry). For example, an art student may compare themselves to the top student in their class in order to improve their skills. This theory is not necessarily a bad thing, and many times, it can encourage people to improve themselves. However, when young girls begin to compare