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- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Ohio State Researchers Examine Self-Oriented Comparison
Body image research has often centered on how individuals compare themselves to others and the resulting impacts on well-being. However, a recent study led by Professor Tracy Tylka of The Ohio State University reveals that self-oriented comparison—comparing one’s current appearance to previous versions of oneself—can be just as damaging as social comparison.
Negative Impacts of Comparing to Past Selves
It is already established that comparing one’s body to others may lead to poor body image and disordered eating. Tylka's study, published in Body Image, shows that people also frequently reflect on past versions of themselves, sometimes to the detriment of their self-esteem. This self comparison arises around significant life milestones or changes, such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or weight fluctuations. While some participants reported positive changes, most viewed physical changes negatively, impacting their body image and well-being.
Introducing the Self-Oriented Comparison Scale for Appearance (SOCS-A)
The research team, including lead author Tracy Tylka and co-author Nichole Wood-Barcalow, recognized a gap in tools for assessing self-oriented appearance comparison. This led to the creation of the Self-Oriented Comparison Scale for Appearance (SOCS-A), an 11-item measure the team validated with two U.S. adult samples. The scale offers clinicians and researchers a new method for evaluating how individuals relate to changes in their own appearance over time.
Upward vs. Downward Self-Oriented Comparison
The SOCS-A enables assessment of two distinct forms of self-oriented comparison: upward comparison and downward comparison. Upward comparison involves evaluating one’s current self against a version from the past considered more attractive. Downward comparison looks at prior self-images perceived as less attractive. Study results showed that upward self-oriented comparison is strongly associated with negative body image, increased body shame, rumination, and disordered eating. In contrast, downward self-oriented comparison was linked with less shame and higher body pride and appreciation.
Notably, the findings revealed that while downward social comparison with others typically has negative effects, downward comparison with a former self often has positive associations, possibly stemming from a sense of accomplishment or overcoming previous appearance concerns.
Gender Differences and Societal Pressures
The study also explored gender differences in self-oriented comparison. Women reported higher levels of upward comparison, while men scored higher on downward comparison. The authors suggest this may reflect societal expectations around women’s appearance and the greater value placed on maintaining certain beauty standards for women.
Implications for Treatment and Future Research
Tylka emphasizes that clinical treatment for body image issues should address not just comparisons with others, but also with one’s past self. The SOCS-A could become an important tool in assessing the impact of aging and appearance-related changes. Additionally, Tylka and colleagues are exploring the relevance of self-oriented comparison in contexts such as GLP-1 use, body image, and eating behaviors. The potential for the SOCS-A to be adapted and used globally by research teams, prevention programs, and therapy interventions is significant.
This research was funded by the Ohio State Joan Huber Fellowship Grant.
Source: news.osu.edu.
