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Journal of Health Psychology, Vol. 11, No. 5, 777-786 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/1359105306066637

Social Comparison Processes in Autobiographies of Adult Cancer Survivors

Keith M. Bellizzi

National Cancer Institute, USA

Thomas O. Blank

University of Connecticut, USA, thomas.blank{at}uconn.edu

Claudia E. Oakes

University of Connecticut, USA

Cancer survivors often compare their situations to other survivors’ situations. However, types of social comparison processes used and resulting outcomes are not clearly delineated. This study explores usage and consequences of three social comparison styles (downward, upward and parallel) of adult cancer survivors in free narratives, using content analysis of 30 autobiographical books by survivors ranging in age from 30-70 (M = 54, SD = 10.04); 43 percent prostate cancer, 17 percent breast cancer and 40 percent other cancers. Overall, cancer survivors used more parallel comparisons than directional comparisons, followed by upward comparisons. Each type of comparison was associated with different kinds of positive and negative consequences.

Key Words: cancer • free narratives • social comparison


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