Based on research presented in this chapter, do you want to be in ...

[jake]

Based on research presented in this chapter, do you want to be in a romantic relationship with a narcissist?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Josie has just been diagnosed with cancer. According to the information presented in your text, first state what upward social comparisons and downward social comparisons are,
 
  then explain what Josie would gain by making an upward and a downward social comparison.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[jessofishing]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: Narcissists, by definition, have a high degree of self-love and a lack of empathy toward others. This doesn't seem to make one a desirable romantic partner. In addition, they tend to do less well academically and occupationally, are more violent and aggressive than others. These would seem to make a narcissist and undesirable dating partner.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: An upward social comparison is when a person compares him or herself with someone better than they are: perhaps an expert. Downward social comparisons are when a person compares him or herself with someone worse than they are, and is more likely in cancer patients. Josie may make upward social comparisons against cancer survivors as a way of learning strategies to cope with and survive cancer. She may be inspired by their stories. Josie would make downward social comparisons against people with more advanced stages of cancer than she hasor even people who died from cancerin order to enhance her sense of self and feel better about her situation.