"Comparison Theory: The Paradox of
Insecurity in Pursuit of Self-Actualization"
Subject: Myself
PSY211- Theory of Personality
Submitted to:
Ms. May Marcell M. Corneja
Submitted by:
Dannah Marasigan- PSY2A
II. Overview
Individuals make a variety of judgments about themselves, and one of
the most common ways is through social comparison, or examining the self in
relation to others. Comparison creates insecurities that only harvests
retrospective pastures and notions. One of the reasons why we tend to
compare ourselves is because we try to organize and rationalize our thoughts
for our better understanding. This theory was based on Abraham Maslow’s
hierarchy of needs. Maslow believed that before a person can satiate their
higher wants, their survival requirements must be met. Because of the
environmental and interpersonal impediments that unavoidably irritate us,
meeting the requirements linked with a higher level of the hierarchy is more
challenging. Going outside of one's comfort zone in the pursuit of selfactualization can be filled with uncertainty. Feelings of uncertainty may arise
from this unclear future or future course and can trigger feelings of insecurity.
III. Autobiography
“Comparison is a double-edged sword that creates an opportunity to
adapt, to change, and to forge self-doubt”- Marasigan, 2023. Born on the 18th
of September. In the year 2002, I am the oldest among the three children of
Mr. & Mrs. Marasigan. Growing up, people labeled me as a “wonder child”. An
epitome of a parent’s ideal child. I was smart, a social butterfly, a polite kid,
and I was acing all my tests and got good grades at school. I also often help
my mom with our business even as a kid. And people would compliment my
mom, saying how a good parent she was for raising a child like me- a child
who voluntarily helps her breadwinner mother. As for my father, he was
physically present but let’s just say he has his own way of putting his
existence into this world and showing his love for us in ways he only knows
and understand. After to years of being brought to existence, we were blessed
to have an additional family member. My spotlight as the “wonder child” is
now being threatened. My sister, Patricia, somehow lit a spark in me that I
didn’t know I had. I am not insecure, but I always have this urge to compare
my self to others. People in my environment would often pit us against each
other by their comparative opinions. Patricia would be called as the “pretty but
chubby” and I would be called as the “slim one”. It gradually created an
insecurity for the both of us especially with regards with our body type. 7
years after, we had another addition to our family. Erasmus, being the
youngest and the only boy in our lineage, he was getting all the attention
which has threatened the existing competition between me and my sister. He
was suddenly the star of the family. But as he gets older, he get compared to
me and my sister to how we were much more academically inclined compared
to him. It affected his self-esteem and somehow created an approval with his
environment with every action he will take. This seemingly created an issue
involving his self worth and identity to his purpose. But as we grow older this
gradually change. In my case, even though I am affected by the constant
comparisons between me and my siblings, I still ventured the path of pursuit
in achieving self-actualization. I’ve come to terms with myself that sometimes
these comparisons were a mere projection of one’s insecurity or a socially-
conditioned concept. And that it can be used as a tool to either create the best
version of you or destroy the the potential that you have in yourself.
IV. Theory and its concepts
The "Paradox of Insecurity in Pursuit of Self-Actualization" refers to a
contradictory situation where individuals experience feelings of insecurity or
self-doubt despite actively striving for personal growth and fulfillment. This
concept draws from Abraham Maslow's theory of self-actualization within the
hierarchy of needs. According to Maslow's hierarchy, self-actualization
represents the highest level of human motivation, characterized by the desire
to achieve one's full potential, pursue personal growth, and find meaning in
life. The contradiction occurs, however, because the pursuit of selfactualization frequently includes transitioning outside of one's comfort zone,
taking chances, and accepting ambiguity, all of which can generate feelings of
insecurity. Several factors in contribution to this:
1. Vulnerability in Growth- Exploring new regions, testing current beliefs,
and embracing vulnerability are all part of the self-actualization process.
Participating in such personal development activities can expose people to
novel settings, which can lead to feelings of insecurity and self-doubt.
2. Comparison and Standards- Individuals who are aspiring for selfactualization may compare themselves to idealized versions or standards set
by others. This comparison might intensify emotions of inadequacy or
insecurity, impeding personal development.
3. Fear of Failure- Pursuing self-actualization may involve taking risks and
facing potential failures. Fear of failure can lead to insecurity as individuals
navigate uncharted territories, make unconventional choices, or experiment
with new skills or endeavors.
4. Shifting Perspectives: As individuals progress towards self-actualization,
their perspectives, values, and aspirations might evolve. This shifting
landscape can create feelings of uncertainty and insecurity as they redefine
their identity and purpose.
5. External Validation- Seeking validation or acceptance from other sources
while on this path to self-actualization could contribute to feelings of insecurity.
Individuals who rely on external validation for their own progress may begin to
doubt themselves in the absence of validation.
Gaining an understanding of these many perspectives offers a
nuanced perspective on how social comparison shapes fears. By developing
self-awareness, placing an emphasis on personal development over
comparison, and concentrating on one's own qualities and ideals rather than
external standards established by others, people can effectively navigate
these emotions. Overcoming the paradox entails recognizing feeling
uncomfortable as a natural component of growth, embracing vulnerability,
growing self-compassion, and cultivating resilience to manage hurdles on the
way to personal satisfaction and actualization.
A person who has achieved self-actualization may tend to have
ocassional anxiety that can be dismissed through mechanisms such as inner
work, journaling, hobbies or any activities and/or ideas that may benefit the
person and condemn any negative feelings like inferiority and insecurities.
However, a person who struggle in the pursuit of self-actualization may
find it harder to achieve the higher needs in the hierarchy. The only
achievable need that can be satisfied in the hierarchy would be physiological
tier. In some cases, people would still find it hard to even satisfy this need. If a
person is who is having a hard time pursuing self actualization, every thing is
a comparison and they will have a tendency to depreciate the value of what
anything is provided to him/her. (E.g. Alfred is comparing his lunch to his
classmate because his classmate has dessert and appetizer. Alfred would
feel inferior and would hide try to hide his lunch/ would not eat together with
his classmate.) People like this would often project their insecurity to other
people as a way to cope.
These are additional concepts and theories that I based on, and some
factors in why we tend to compare our selves to others:
1. Relative Deprivation Theory in Social Comparison:
-According to this hypothesis, feelings of deprivation in relation to others might
give birth to fears, rather than just pure deprivation or a lack of anything.
Regardless of one's true circumstances or material belongings, people might
experience emotions of inadequacy and insecurity when they compare
themselves to someone they believe to be better situated.
2. Cultural Lens Theory of Comparison:
-Comparing oneself to others is greatly influenced by cultural conventions and
values. In certain societies, collectivism may result in a greater number of
communal comparisons between individuals and their in-group, which can
promote solidarity but also give rise to fears when members of the group
believe they are not good enough. Individualistic cultures, on the other hand,
can promote comparisons to a larger group of individuals, which could
heighten fears because of a wider range of norms.
3. Temporal Comparison Theory:
-This idea centers on how people evaluate themselves against their past or
future selves as well as their peers. Feelings of inadequacy or discontent in
the present might result from comparing one's circumstances to prior
achievements or from imagining an idealized future self, which can give rise to
insecurities.
4. Differential Sensitivity to Social Comparison Theory:
-According to this concept, people differ in how sensitive they are to social
comparison. While downward social comparison—comparing oneself to those
perceived as worse off—may lessen fears but also breed complacency,
upward social comparison—comparing oneself to those perceived as better
off—may have a greater impact on certain people and cause insecurities.
5. Intersectional Comparison Theory:
-This theory recognizes that people can feel insecure about themselves due
to comparisons in one area of their lives (money, beauty, etc.) as well as the
intersection of other social identities (race, gender, financial status, etc.).
Complex comparisons across multiple overlapping identities might give birth
to insecurities and exacerbate feelings of marginalization or inadequacy.
V. Concept of Humanity
Humanity is cursed to be be forever instiable. We compare to have a
glimpse of what we were before, what we want to be, and who we really are.
To look back how far we’ve come and to see what we’re becoming. We
gauge ourselves to ease our anxiety with the uncertainty and create a unique
perspective that can be a tool to the betterment of ourselves. Comparisons
are tethered with hidden reasons that can only be revealed by how we project
it to others and how we treat ourselves. We can both feel inferior while striving
to attain the highest versions of ourselves by satisfying our needs.
VI. Terminologies and Definition

Comparison- a consideration or estimate of the similarities or
dissimilarities between two things or people.

Paradox- a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or
proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well
founded or true.

Temporal- relating to worldly as opposed to spiritual affairs; secular.

Exacerbate- make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse.

Solidarity- unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among
individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group.

Pastures- used to refer to a person's situation in life.

Theory-
a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain
something, especially one based on general principles independent of the
thing to be explained.

Anxiety- a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It might cause you to
sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heartbeat