Nurşah Tatoğlu, Serap ALTUNTAŞ
Social comparison orientation is a process in which an individual or group compares themselves or their group with others. Individuals may compare themselves downward, upward, or horizontally (neutral-equal). These comparisons may lead to positive or negative feelings. If individuals perceive themselves or their groups as disadvantaged as a result of these comparisons, they may experience feelings of deprivation and feel anger and resentment. This situation is referred to as relative deprivation and is a cognitive state based on individuals' perceptions and subjective assessments. To speak of relative deprivation, it is essential that individuals or groups make comparisons, and the prevailing view is that the resulting perception of deprivation stems from injustice and inequality. Relative deprivation is generally associated with stress, depression, anxiety, and burnout. Nursing is also a profession that involves working with multidisciplinary team members, where many comparisons are likely to be made at both the individual and group levels. However, it is not known how often nurses make these comparisons, on what topics, and with whom. Also, there is a considerable gap in the literature regarding the positive and negative aspects of these comparisons that create deprivation. The literature continuously examines topics such as nurses' stress, depression, anxiety, and burnout in the context of nurse retention policies. Thus, it is important to determine nurses' levels of deprivation and social comparison orientation, which are effective in the formation of these concepts expressed as psychological distress. This review study is prepared on the subject and will make significant contributions to the literature in terms of its importance.