#510: Social Comparison: Evidence on its Impacts & What We Can Do – Shannon Beer

Links: Go to episode page (with supporting links/resources) Subscribe to PREMIUM Learn more about Sigma Nutrition Crushing Comparisons course About This Episode: Social comparison theory, developed by psychologist Leon Festinger in the 1950s, posits that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others. This theory suggests that people engage in social comparisons to evaluate their abilities, opinions, and attributes, often choosing relevant others for comparison. In the realm of body image and self-perception, social comparison theory becomes particularly pertinent, as individuals tend to assess their own bodies in relation to societal ideals and the bodies of others. This process of comparison can have profound implications for body dissatisfaction and the development of disordered eating patterns. This raises thought-provoking questions about the impact of social comparison theory on body image and eating behaviors. In this episode, Shannon Beer explores these questions and offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between societal influences, individual perceptions, and the development of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. About The Guest: Shannon Beer is a registered nutritionist, health and confidence coach and certified Compassionate Mind Training facilitator. Shannon works with people aiming to improve their health through facilitating lasting behaviour change in their approach to diet, exercise and body image. She has developed a coaching framework that applies motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral coaching, and acceptance and commitment therapy-aligned processes in a client-centered alliance toward their own values-based goals.