Describe the Pros and Cons of Insisting on Commonalities Among

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The Answer is Pros: One reason why this may be important is that group members often engage in social comparison, a process whereby they contrast their own condition, abilities, qualities, etc., to those of similar others. Often, cancer patients selectively use downward social comparison (comparing oneself to those who are doing less well) and upward social comparison (comparing oneself to those who are doing better). Women being treated for breast cancer were observed to use downward social comparison spontaneously and frequently. This strategy is presumed to be a meAnswer of coping and self-enhancement when under threat. This suggestion was borne out by the fact that downward social comparison was used more frequently by women who were closer in time to their surgery and presumably experiencing more threat. Cons: In some instances, downward social comparisons to similar others who were physically much worse proved to be frightening and sobering. In a review of the ways in which individuals in threatening situations satisfy their need to be with others and gain information, cancer patients were found to seek contact with individuals they perceive as more fortunate. Thus, peer discussion groups may be problematic when they expose cancer patients to others doing poorly psychologically or physically.

Describe the Pros and Cons of Insisting on Commonalities Among

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