Introducing the Comparison Game

Start by having students access the student chapter Never Have I Ever and using the interactive activity to sort the items. Which ones have they done, and which have they not done?

When they have finished sorting, have them write a short response to the reflection prompt: Does comparing yourself to other people make you feel better or worse?

Have students share their reflections. It’s all right if students do not have a single answer (they may say that it sometimes makes them feel better, and other times feel worse) and there is no need to reach a consensus among the students.

If students suggest that one gender is more or less inclined to social comparison, tell them that research shows boys are about as likely to compare themselves to others as girls are, though they may focus on different attributes.

Ask students if they have ever done a similar exercise, in class or elsewhere. If so, ask them to reflect on what has changed since the last time they did.

Now have students access the student chapter Escaping the Comparison Trap and answer the questions in the interactive video, or show the video in fullscreen here.