Tim is doing poorly in math.Although he knows he's not a very good math student,it does not concern him greatly.He spends most of his time after school playing hockey,a sport at which he excels.Tim's 5th grade math teacher tries to motivate him to stay after school for tutoring,but Tim doesn't want to miss hockey practice.Furthermore,he reasons,two of his teammates have even lower marks in math than he does.Which process seems to enhance or protect Tim's self-esteem?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tim's process of making a downward social comparison, comparing himself to teammates with even lower math marks, is protecting his self-esteem by feeling better about his own situation in comparison to others.

Tim Is Doing Poorly in Math