Experiences of upward social comparison in entertainment contexts: Emotions, state self-esteem, and enjoyment

This study examines the self- and affect-related outcomes associated with upward social comparisons to entertainment characters. Participants (N = 218) chose one entertainment television program to view from a selection of eight available and reported their emotional responses, state self-esteem, and enjoyment post-viewing. Feelings of envy and jealousy, associated with upward contrastive social comparisons, were related to decreased state self-esteem post viewing. Alternatively, feelings of hope and inspiration, associated with upward assimilative social comparisons, were related to increased enjoyment and appreciation of the content post-viewing. Implications for a better understanding of the relationships between emotions, state self-esteem, enjoyment, and appreciation in mediated entertainment contexts are discussed.