What term describes a feeling of dissatisfaction stemming from comparisons with others who seem better off?

The term that best describes a feeling of dissatisfaction stemming from comparisons with others who seem better off is relative deprivation. This concept refers to the experience of perceiving oneself as worse off compared to others, leading to feelings of discontent or resentment. It emphasizes that dissatisfaction is not just about absolute standards of well-being but is significantly influenced by social comparisons. When individuals assess their situation in relation to others, particularly those perceived as better off, they may feel deprived, even if their overall circumstances are relatively favorable.

Social comparison, while related, focuses more broadly on how individuals evaluate themselves against others, which can lead to various outcomes, not exclusively dissatisfaction. Social identity pertains to a person’s sense of self based on their group memberships rather than direct comparisons with others. Group polarization describes the tendency for group discussion to amplify the initial leanings of group members, which is not relevant to the feeling of dissatisfaction in this context.