Saturday, March 19, 2011

If You're Reading This, You're (Comparatively) Fine

I talk regularly about how rich we are. Here's why:
"Generally if people compare themselves to those who are worse off, they're going to feel better," continues Bauer, now a research associate at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and a clinical psychologist at Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Associates of Toronto. "When they compare themselves to people who are better off, it can make them feel worse."

Looking towards others who are worse off can also have a marked effect on physical health: Participants who used downward social comparisons reported experiencing fewer cold symptoms. Overall, they reported a positive effect on their emotional well-being over the months that followed.
Is this way of dealing with challenges a healthy understanding of history or a dangerous coping mechanism?

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You are the reason why I do not write privately. I would love to hear your thoughts, whether you agree or not.