Firstly, in Chapter 2, three experiments are reported which examined whether cognitive downward social comparison may operate as a relationship-enhancing mechanism. In three studies, a new paradigm was employed that induced participants to actively engage in cognitive downward social comparison. The blessings of cognitive comparison with worse-off others in the domain of close relationships were examined by experimentally examining the beneficial consequences of downward comparison for perceived relationship quality, that is relationship satisfaction and commitment to the relationship. Moreover, it was investigated whether the impact of downward comparison was moderated by discontent with the partner and by social comparison orientation.

Individuals' reactions to others engaging overtly in downward comparison activities are examined in Chapter 3. More precisely, the hypothesis was tested that self-enhancing downward comparison would be considered as more socially inappropriate and undesirable than partner-enhancing downward comparison. Research will be reported that examined the responses to someone else engaging in self- and partner-enhancing downward comparisons. In three experimental studies, participants were presented with a short fragment supposedly derived from a group discussion. They were asked to indicate, among others, the extent to which they considered the verbal statements as social undesirable. In the final study, the possible moderating role of individual differences in social comparison orientation was explored by examining the extent to which reactions to someone engaging in self- and partner-enhancing downward comparison was moderated by participants' orientation toward social comparison.

Chapter 4 summarizes the research and findings of the studies as reported in this thesis. The potential beneficial consequences of cognitive downward comparison as well as the possible negative reactions to downward social comparison are discussed. Furthermore, the implications of these findings for research on social comparison processes as well as for the literature on relationship quality are elaborated in the final chapter.