Asked by Ashley Creelman-Ulmer on Jul 05, 2024

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Tim is doing poorly in math.Although he knows he's not a very good math student,it does not concern him greatly.He spends most of his time after school playing hockey,a sport at which he excels.Tim's 5th grade math teacher tries to motivate him to stay after school for tutoring,but Tim doesn't want to miss hockey practice.Furthermore,he reasons,two of his teammates have even lower marks in math than he does.Which process seems to enhance or protect Tim's self-esteem?

A) Tim's self-criticism
B) Tim's self-monitoring of his performance
C) Tim's perspective-taking skills
D) Tim's downward social comparison

Downward Social Comparison

A psychological process where individuals compare themselves to others who are perceived as worse off, often to feel better about their own situation.

Self-criticism

The act of pointing out one's own flaws and mistakes, often leading to negative self-evaluation.

Perspective-taking Skills

The ability to understand and consider situations, thoughts, or emotions from another individual's point of view.

  • Explore the mechanisms that individuals use to maintain or enhance their self-esteem.
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KN
karthika naiduJul 06, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
Tim's process of making a downward social comparison, comparing himself to teammates with even lower math marks, is protecting his self-esteem by feeling better about his own situation in comparison to others.