NSF Grant# 2222219

SBP: Investigating Social Comparison Processes among Undergraduates at a Hispanic Serving Institution

People often compare themselves to others around them (i.e., engage in social comparison). For minority undergraduate students, the people around them are typically majority students. However, for Hispanic students who attend Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), the majority of people around them tend to be other Hispanic students. This shift from being in the minority to being in the majority may have important consequences; yet, no research has examined the potential effects.

The current project plans to conduct studies to understand how students compare themselves to others in this new context and tests a strategy to help students compare themselves to others in more productive ways. This project has important implications for society. Knowledge gained through these studies can help colleges/universities better serve their students and improve long-term outcomes.

For more details see this NSF Link.

Dr. Ho Phi Huynh
Australian National University
Researcher (Former Principal Investigator)

Dr. Malin Lilley
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Co-Principal Investigator

Dr. Dawn Weatherford
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Principal Investigator

Isabella Castellanos is currently a senior at Texas A&M University-San Antonio pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Criminology. After graduating, she plans to continue her education with a focus in Sports Psychology. In her spare time, she enjoys sports, gaming, and spending time with her family and friends.

Anastacia Wicks completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Education at Texas A&M University - San Antonio in the Fall of 2023. She plans on attending graduate school to receive her Masters in Clinical Social Work. Anastacia hopes to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to help retired military personnel who have been diagnosed with depression, PTSD and anxiety disorders.

Anisa Halperin is currently a Senior at Texas A&M University- San Antonio pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Once finished they plan to pursue a graduate program focusing in experimental psychology. While not working on research and courses, they enjoy playing video games, playing music, and spending time with their wife and pets.

Alena Raya is a junior at Texas A&M University-San Antonio pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Once her degree is completed, she aims to begin a graduate program focusing on Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In her free time, Alena often enjoys reading and going on walks with her dog.

Jasmyne Thomas is currently a graduate student at Texas A&M University-San Antonio pursuing a Master of Science in Psychology. After graduating, she plans to continue her education with a focus in Social Psychology. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, gaming, and spending time with her family.