What is the term for comparing one's performance to that of others?

The term for comparing one's performance to that of others is social comparison. This concept was introduced by psychologist Leon Festinger in 1954, who proposed that individuals have an inherent drive to evaluate themselves, often against the performance and characteristics of others. Social comparison can take various forms; individuals may compare themselves to others who they perceive as better (upward comparison) or those they view as worse (downward comparison).

Through these comparisons, people gain insights about their abilities, performance, and self-worth. This process can influence emotions and self-esteem, prompting feelings of pride or inadequacy depending on the comparison direction. Understanding social comparison is essential in social psychology as it offers insights into how individuals navigate their social worlds and develop their self-concepts.