Hagopian G A, Lowery B J, Jacobsen B
Cancer Pract. 1994 Sep-Oct;2(5):359-64.
Downward comparison is a cognitive process that is used when events such as illness threaten a person's self-esteem. The afflicted person feels better about his/her situation when he/she compares himself/herself with another whose condition is worse. This study identified the presence of downward comparison in 195 women with recently diagnosed breast cancer and determined the impact of such comparison on adjustment. The results indicate evidence of downward comparison. In comparison to others with breast cancer, most patients indicated they thought that they were better in regard to physical condition, coping, medical condition, and life experience. Clinicians should assess for the presence of downward comparison at the time of diagnosis or when there is any change in the treatment plan that may be threatening to a patient. Future research of downward comparison and its relationship to self-esteem is indicated.
下行比较是一种认知过程，当诸如疾病等事件威胁到一个人的自尊时会被采用。当患病的人将自己与病情更糟的另一个人进行比较时，他/她会对自己的处境感觉更好。本研究确定了195名近期被诊断出患有乳腺癌的女性中存在下行比较，并确定了这种比较对适应的影响。结果表明存在下行比较的证据。与其他乳腺癌患者相比，大多数患者表示他们认为自己在身体状况、应对方式、医疗状况和生活经历方面更好。临床医生应在诊断时或治疗计划有任何可能威胁患者的变化时，评估是否存在下行比较。有必要对下行比较及其与自尊的关系进行未来研究。
