Private gain, social strain: Do relationship factors shape responses to outperformance?

Outperforming others can be satisfying, in part because it allows us to make self-enhancing social comparisons against those we have surpassed. However, competitive success can clash with relational goals, leading outperformers to experience discomfort when they believe that their superior status poses a threat to the outperformed person (Exline & Lobel, 1999). Two studies revealed that relationship factors play a critical role in responses to superior status. Relationship rifts and avoidance were common in conflictual or hostile relationships, whereas empathic concerns and appeasement predominated in closer, more satisfying relationships. Negative responses to superior status were largely independent of private feelings of pride and happiness. These data complement existing social comparison research by suggesting that outperformance, while privately satisfying, can cause problems when it poses an interpersonal threat. Furthermore, relationship factors appear to be important determinants of the specific emotional and behavioral responses of outperformers.