Self-Perceptions, Normative Beliefs, and Substance Use Associated With High School Girls Comparing Themselves to Peers

BACKGROUND: We assessed whether self-descriptions, self-perceptions, perceived substance use of friends, and actual substance use were associated with high school girls' frequency of making social comparisons to peers. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Adolescent Health Risk Behavior Survey data for 357 high school girls using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: Compared to those who “never/rarely” made social comparisons, participants who self-described as fearing something constantly (p =.014) and forced to imitate the people they like (p =.009) were more likely to “usually” compare themselves to peers. Participants who described themselves as feeling forced to imitate the people they like (p =.022), were not the person they would like to be (p =.005), and did not remain calm under pressure (p =.010), were more likely to “often/always” make social comparisons. Participants who perceived themselves as unattractive (p =.034) and self-centered (p =.016) were more likely to “often/always” make social comparisons. Participants who perceived a larger proportion of friends use illicit drugs were less likely to “usually” make social comparisons (p =.027). Participants who perceived a larger proportion of friends drink alcohol were more likely to “often/always” make social comparisons (p =.018). CONCLUSIONS: Girls who perceive and describe themselves more negatively are at increased odds of making social comparisons to peers.