Testing the Effects of Ability-Based and Opinion-Based Social Comparisons on Interpersonal Problems through the Mediating Roles of Self-Esteem and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation

This study investigates the effects of ability-based and opinion-based social comparisons on interpersonal problems and concurrently explores the mediating roles of self-esteem and emotion dysregulation within these relational dynamics. A demographic information form, the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-Circumplex Scales Short Form (IIP-C), the Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) were administered to 549 volunteer undergraduates. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the study data. The test results of the proposed model indicated that ability-based social comparison has significant direct and indirect effects on interpersonal problems. In contrast, opinion-based social comparison has no significant direct or indirect effects on interpersonal problems. To clarify, comparing their abilities with others is a significant factor in undergraduates’ interpersonal problems. Moreover, self-esteem and emotion dysregulation significantly mediate this association. Conversely, comparing their opinions with others is not a significant factor in their experiences of interpersonal problems, and this remained consistent in the mediation of self-esteem and emotion dysregulation. Expected and differentiated findings of the study about the associations of distinct comparison types were discussed in light of the current literature. Presented recommendations for further research included diversifying the sample and considering sub-dimensions of interpersonal problems.