Social Comparison and Depression: People With Mild and Moderate Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

There has been limited research on the role of sociocognitive factors in depression with people who have a mild intellectual disability. However, an association has been found between negative social comparison and depressed mood. We extend previous work by including individuals with clinical depression. A between-groups design of 18 depressed versus 18 nondepressed participants was used. Depression measures were administered, along with measures of self-esteem and social comparison. Participants reported the salience of the social comparisons they made. Depressed participants reported significantly more negative social comparisons; the nondepressed group reported that the positive comparisons they made were more salient. These results have implications for cognitive behavior interventions and the possibility of working with people in the context of their interpersonal beliefs.

Therapy Expectations: Preliminary Exploration and Measurement in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

“…Third, the different presenting problems in the sample may influence responding on many of the TEAM items. For example, negative self‐evaluative and social comparative beliefs in depression (MacMahon & Jahoda 2008; Dagnan & Sandhu 1999) may influence expectations of making an effective contribution to successful therapeutic relationships. Finally, whilst one open‐ended question addressed client motivation, it is acknowledged that it would be helpful to develop a proper motivation component of the TEAM.…”

The role of shame in the development and maintenance of psychological distress in adults with intellectual disabilities: A narrative review and synthesis

“…Many of the studies fail to report the target group that individuals make comparisons to (e.g., whether this is fellow individuals with intellectual disabilities, or members of the community in general). At least two studies demonstrated that this makes a potentially significant difference on the types social comparisons made (MacMahon & Jahoda, ; Paterson et al., ), and the subsequent impact this can have on self‐esteem and psychological/emotional distress. Secondly, it is also important to distinguish which domains of self individuals are making social comparisons on (e.g., social attractiveness and autonomy), as these will like equally impact on subsequent psychological distress and self‐worth.…”

“…Although mixed findings were reported, a large majority of studies included in this review reported that negative social comparisons were related to higher levels of psychological distress and lower self‐esteem (Dagnan & Sandhu, ; Dagnan & Waring, ; MacMahon & Jahoda, ; McGillivray & McCabe, ; Paterson et al., ; Szivos‐Bach, ). There was some suggestion that negative social comparisons are particularly elevated in adults with intellectual disabilities who are depressed as compared to those intellectual disabilities individuals who are not depressed (MacMahon & Jahoda, ; McGillivray & McCabe, ). Results would suggest that it is in the domains of social attractiveness and capability/ability where social comparisons are particularly salient for adults with intellectual disabilities, in that individuals with intellectual disabilities are more likely to experience shame in relation to these domains of self and social roles.…”

Reliability of a method for establishing the capacity of individuals with an intellectual disability to respond to Likert scales

“…The use of pictorial supports is often recommended (e.g., Hartley & MacLean, 2006) or used (e.g., MacMahon & Jahoda, 2008) when data are to be collected from individuals with an intellectual disability. Unless there is some examination of the individuals' understanding of the meanings of these supports, they may decrease reliable responding rather than ensure better quality data.…”