Predictive Role of Social Comparison on the Severity of Cluster B and Cluster C Personality Disorder Symptoms in the Digital Age

Abstract

Social media usage has significantly reshaped interpersonal interactions, amplifying the frequency and intensity of social comparisons among users. While commonly used, the psychological implications of digital social comparison in relation to personality disorders remain underexplored. This study investigated the predictive role of digital social comparison on the severity of Cluster B and Cluster C personality disorder symptoms among university students. A cross-sectional design was employed with a sample of 174 students from various campuses, who completed the Digital Social Comparison Scale and the Personality Disorder Symptoms Scale, along with demographic questions. Pearson correlation analyses revealed significant positive relationships between digital social comparison and all personality disorder symptoms, with the strongest associations observed for histrionic, dependent, and narcissistic traits. Regression analysis confirmed digital social comparison as a significant predictor of symptoms across both clusters. Notably, histrionic (β = .534), dependent (β = .489), and narcissistic (β = .466) symptoms showed the strongest effects. These findings suggest that digital social comparison is a relevant psychological risk factor contributing to the exacerbation of Cluster B and C personality traits. The results support the need for targeted therapeutic interventions and digital literacy initiatives to reduce maladaptive comparison behaviors and strengthen psychological resilience in digitally active populations.