Which statement about self-esteem and social comparisons is accurate?

The statement that people with low self-esteem tend to make upward comparisons is accurate because individuals with low self-esteem often seek validation or reassurance by comparing themselves to others who they perceive as better off or more successful. This upward comparison can serve as a way to motivate self-improvement or to highlight their own perceived shortcomings, which can unfortunately reinforce their low self-esteem.

In contrast, those with high self-esteem are more likely to engage in a mixture of both upward and downward comparisons but generally do so in a way that affirms their self-worth rather than diminishes it. Additionally, self-esteem can influence how one engages in social comparisons, but it is not entirely accurate to say it has no effect, nor is it true that individuals with low self-esteem exclusively make downward comparisons, as they may reach for those perceived as superior to them.