Esmeralda is very anxious about taking her final exam in organic chemistry. Instead of doing last minute studying in her dorm, Esmeralda goes over to the exam room. Several students are already in the room, all talking about how nervous they are about the final. Social comparison theory would predict that Esmeralda will ____________ in the presence of other anxious people.
A) become more anxious
B) become too aroused
C) feel validated
D) a and b

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Social comparison theory predicts that individuals compare their own abilities and opinions to those of others in order to evaluate themselves. In this situation, Esmeralda is likely to feel validated and reassured by the fact that others are also anxious, as it can help her normalize her own feelings and realize that they are not abnormal or unwarranted. This is known as downward social comparison, where individuals compare themselves to those who are worse off to feel better about their own situation. Becoming more anxious or too aroused may be possible outcomes, but they are not necessarily predicted by social comparison theory.

Esmeralda Is Very Anxious About Taking Her Final Exam in Organic