+ Current Projects

SHARP MARS IAT Social Comparison Mating Behavior Pathogen Salience

+ Lab Directors

Angela Bryan Renee Magnan

+ Graduate Students

Annie Caldwell Hooper Erika Montanaro Courtney Stevens

+ Research Staff

Tiffany J. Callahan Roberto Cazé Shelley Adamson Sean Gonzales Trent Irwin Kate Cauthen

+ Interventionists

Dan Fischer Dustin Truitt Elisa Devargas

+ Former Lab Members

Alisha Wray Ben Ladd Brenna Greenfield Caitlin Lanigan Christian Hendershot Josh Tybur Katie Riggleman-Thomas Patrick Ewell Shannon Henry

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2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005

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Social Comparison Information and Exercise Behavior

A variety of behavioral effects are known to occur when individuals engage in social comparison processes (Social Comparison Theory; Festinger, 1954). Individuals may engage in upward comparisons with those who are relatively better off, downward comparisons with those who are relatively worse off, or lateral comparisons with similar others. Typically, objective information (e.g., absolute risk) is provided to individuals in attempts to promote health-protective behaviors, yet little is known about the effect of comparative information. Currently, we are investigating the role that objective feedback versus comparative feedback my play in exercise attitudes and behaviors Project Manager Renee Magnan