Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examining social comparison as a behaviour change technique across the behavioural sciences

Thole H. Hoppen (), Rieke M. Cuno, Janna Nelson, Frederike Lemmel, Pascal Schlechter and Nexhmedin Morina
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Thole H. Hoppen: University of Münster
Rieke M. Cuno: University of Münster
Janna Nelson: University of Münster
Frederike Lemmel: University of Münster
Pascal Schlechter: University of Münster
Nexhmedin Morina: University of Münster

Nature Human Behaviour, 2025, vol. 9, issue 8, 1595-1612

Abstract: Abstract Research on social comparison as a behaviour change technique (SC-BCT) has increased substantially. We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating SC-BCTs across the behavioural sciences (PROSPERO: CRD42022343154). We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science from inception to January 2024. Seventy-nine randomized controlled trials (N = 1,356,521) investigating effects on behaviours related to climate change mitigation, health, performance and service were included. In the short term (mean 3.7 months post-intervention), SC-BCTs produced small effects relative to both passive (Hedges’ g = 0.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.11–0.23; k = 37; P

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41562-025-02209-2

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