What are the signs of an inferiority complex. How does it impact daily life. What causes people to develop feelings of inferiority. How can therapy and self-help techniques improve self-esteem. What strategies help overcome chronic self-doubt and insecurity.

Understanding the Inferiority Complex: More Than Just Low Self-Esteem

An inferiority complex goes beyond occasional self-doubt or situational insecurity. It’s a pervasive feeling of inadequacy that impacts multiple aspects of a person’s life. While most people experience moments of self-criticism, those with an inferiority complex struggle with a deeply rooted cycle of negative self-perception that consistently holds them back both personally and professionally.

Dr. James E. Maddux, psychologist and author, describes this condition as “chronic low self-esteem” rather than using the outdated term “inferiority complex.” This persistent state of feeling “less than” affects psychological, intellectual, social, and physical aspects of an individual’s life.

The Self-Fulfilling Nature of an Inferiority Complex

Dr. Amy Flowers, a cognitive-behavioral therapist, explains the self-perpetuating nature of an inferiority complex: “You get what you expect and people with very low self-esteem expect very little. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.” This cycle of low expectations and subsequent disappointments further reinforces feelings of inadequacy, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to break free from their negative self-image.

Recognizing the Signs: How an Inferiority Complex Manifests

Identifying an inferiority complex requires looking beyond occasional moments of self-doubt. Dr. Martin E. Ford, professor at George Mason University, emphasizes the importance of observing consistent patterns of behavior across various circumstances. Some key signs include:

• Repetitive focus on upsetting thoughts
• Shutting down due to shame, guilt, or embarrassment
• Social withdrawal from coworkers, colleagues, or family members
• Demeaning others to cope with feelings of isolation and failure
• Feeling responsible for others’ shortcomings
• Seeking attention through exaggerated illness or constantly redirecting conversations to oneself
• Avoiding competition or situations where efforts might be compared to others
• Extreme sensitivity to both compliments and criticism
• Exhibiting perfectionism or other compensatory behaviors

Are these behaviors interfering with daily life and relationships. If so, it may indicate the presence of an inferiority complex that requires attention and intervention.

The Origins of Inferiority: Exploring Root Causes

Understanding the factors that contribute to the development of an inferiority complex is crucial for effective treatment. While individual experiences vary, several common causes have been identified:

Childhood Experiences and Parenting Styles

Early life experiences play a significant role in shaping self-perception. Overly critical or neglectful parenting, constant comparison to siblings or peers, and experiences of bullying or social rejection can all contribute to the formation of an inferiority complex.

Societal and Cultural Pressures

Unrealistic standards of success, beauty, or achievement perpetuated by media and society can fuel feelings of inadequacy. Individuals who feel they don’t measure up to these ideals may develop a persistent sense of inferiority.

Traumatic Events or Failures

Significant setbacks, such as job loss, academic failures, or relationship breakups, can trigger or exacerbate feelings of inferiority, especially if not properly processed and resolved.

Biological Factors

While not the sole cause, genetic predisposition to anxiety or depression can make individuals more susceptible to developing an inferiority complex.

Is it possible to overcome the impact of these factors. Yes, with the right approach and support, individuals can work through their past experiences and develop a healthier self-image.

The Impact of an Inferiority Complex on Daily Life

An inferiority complex can have far-reaching effects on various aspects of an individual’s life:

Professional Life

People with an inferiority complex often struggle in their careers due to a fear of taking risks or pursuing opportunities. They may avoid applying for promotions, speaking up in meetings, or taking on challenging projects, limiting their professional growth and satisfaction.

Personal Relationships

Chronic feelings of inadequacy can strain personal relationships. Individuals may become overly dependent on partners for validation or push people away due to a fear of rejection. This can lead to difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy, balanced relationships.

Mental Health

An inferiority complex often coexists with or contributes to other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The constant self-criticism and negative self-talk can take a significant toll on overall mental well-being.

Physical Health

The stress and anxiety associated with an inferiority complex can manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, and sleep disturbances. Additionally, individuals may neglect self-care due to feelings of unworthiness.

How can one mitigate these negative impacts. Recognizing the problem and seeking professional help are crucial first steps in addressing an inferiority complex and its effects on daily life.

Diagnosis and Professional Assessment: When to Seek Help

While “inferiority complex” is not a formal clinical diagnosis, the underlying symptoms and their impact on an individual’s life warrant professional attention. Mental health professionals use various assessment tools and diagnostic criteria to evaluate self-esteem issues and related conditions:

Psychological Evaluation

A comprehensive psychological evaluation may include interviews, questionnaires, and standardized tests to assess an individual’s thought patterns, behaviors, and emotional state.

Diagnostic Criteria

While there’s no specific diagnosis for an inferiority complex, professionals may look for symptoms associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, or personality disorders that often accompany chronic low self-esteem.

Differential Diagnosis

Mental health professionals will work to rule out other conditions that may present similar symptoms, ensuring an accurate understanding of the individual’s challenges.

When should someone consider seeking professional help. If feelings of inferiority are persistent, interfere with daily functioning, or lead to significant distress, it’s advisable to consult a mental health professional for a proper assessment and treatment plan.

Treatment Approaches: Overcoming the Inferiority Complex

Addressing an inferiority complex often requires a multi-faceted approach. Various treatment options can help individuals build self-esteem and develop healthier thought patterns:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a widely used and effective treatment for addressing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with an inferiority complex. It helps individuals identify and challenge distorted beliefs about themselves and develop more realistic and positive self-perceptions.

Psychodynamic Therapy

This approach explores how past experiences, particularly from childhood, influence current feelings and behaviors. It can help individuals understand the root causes of their inferiority complex and work through unresolved issues.

Group Therapy

Participating in group therapy sessions can provide valuable support and perspective. Interacting with others who share similar struggles can help normalize experiences and provide opportunities for growth and connection.

Medication

In some cases, particularly when an inferiority complex is accompanied by depression or anxiety, medication may be prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

How effective are these treatments. While individual results may vary, many people experience significant improvement in self-esteem and overall well-being through a combination of therapy and self-help strategies.

Self-Help Strategies: Empowering Personal Growth

In addition to professional treatment, there are numerous self-help techniques individuals can employ to combat feelings of inferiority and build self-esteem:

1. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend.
2. Challenge negative self-talk: Learn to recognize and reframe self-critical thoughts.
3. Set realistic goals: Achieve small successes to build confidence gradually.
4. Develop new skills: Engage in activities that promote personal growth and a sense of accomplishment.
5. Practice mindfulness: Stay present-focused to reduce rumination on past failures or future anxieties.
6. Cultivate supportive relationships: Surround yourself with people who encourage and uplift you.
7. Engage in physical activity: Regular exercise can boost mood and self-image.
8. Keep a gratitude journal: Focus on positive aspects of your life to shift perspective.
9. Volunteer or help others: Contributing to your community can increase feelings of self-worth.
10. Limit social media consumption: Reduce exposure to unrealistic standards and comparisons.

Can these strategies really make a difference. Yes, consistently practicing these self-help techniques can lead to significant improvements in self-esteem and overall well-being over time.

Building Resilience: Long-Term Strategies for Overcoming Inferiority

Overcoming an inferiority complex is not just about addressing current symptoms; it’s about building long-term resilience to prevent future recurrences. Here are some strategies for developing lasting self-confidence:

Embrace Imperfection

Recognize that everyone has flaws and makes mistakes. Accepting imperfection as a natural part of the human experience can reduce self-criticism and promote self-acceptance.

Develop a Growth Mindset

View challenges as opportunities for learning and growth rather than threats to your self-worth. This perspective can help you approach difficulties with curiosity and resilience.

Practice Self-Affirmation

Regularly remind yourself of your strengths, accomplishments, and positive qualities. This can help counteract negative self-perceptions and reinforce a more balanced self-image.

Cultivate Meaningful Relationships

Invest in relationships that are supportive, authentic, and mutually beneficial. Strong social connections can provide a buffer against feelings of inferiority and contribute to overall well-being.

Set and Pursue Personal Values

Identify what truly matters to you and align your actions with these values. This can provide a sense of purpose and direction that transcends external validation.

How long does it take to build resilience against feelings of inferiority. Building resilience is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and patience. While some improvements may be noticeable in the short term, developing lasting resilience often takes months or even years of practice and self-reflection.

In conclusion, overcoming an inferiority complex is a challenging but achievable goal. By understanding the signs, seeking professional help when needed, and implementing self-help strategies, individuals can break free from the cycle of negative self-perception and build a more confident, fulfilling life. Remember, everyone has inherent worth and potential, regardless of past experiences or current challenges. With persistence and the right support, it’s possible to develop a healthier self-image and approach life with renewed confidence and optimism.

What Is an Inferiority Complex? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

By Nuna Alberts, LCSWMedically Reviewed by Allison Young, MD

Reviewed: April 14, 2020

Medically Reviewed

We all worry at times about our abilities. Although it’s distressing, it’s normal to question whether we measure up to others or to feel momentarily incompetent for, say, scoring lower on a test than those around us, not performing as well as our coworkers, or for not yet being as well-situated in life as our friends.

For most of us, these feelings of insecurity and insufficiency (such as being unable to reach an intended goal) are highly situational or occasional. When they arise, we may, for example, brood about them for a time and then move on, deal with them by reminding ourselves that we have other strengths, or use them as motivation to master the underlying problem, says James E. Maddux, PhD, psychologist and author of Subjective Well-Being and Life Satisfaction and coauthor of Psychopathology: Foundations for a Contemporary Understanding.

Even when major events cause our self-doubt to flare — being fired from a job or being dumped by a romantic partner — most of us are able to turn to friends and family and eventually find other ways to feel secure, engaged, and productive.

But if you have an inferiority complex — an old-fashioned term for what Dr. Maddux instead calls chronic low self-esteem — you respond differently. You call yourself names, lament your shortcomings, and believe that your intense self-criticism is reasonable. Just when your self-esteem is most fragile, you attack it even further. This cycle is so deeply rooted that it consistently holds you back personally and professionally.

“You get what you expect and people with very low self-esteem expect very little,” says Amy Flowers, PhD, a cognitive-behavioral therapist in private practice in Macon, Georgia. “It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.” As disappointments mount, you become more discouraged and more vulnerable to being biased against yourself. The result is a pervasive feeling of being “less than” across most aspects of life: psychological, intellectual, social, and physical.

The good news is there are things you can do to curb these unhealthy responses, overcome your psychological distress, rebuild your self-esteem, and enjoy a more fulfilling life, Maddux says.

History of the Term ‘Inferiority Complex’

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines an inferiority complex as “a basic feeling of inadequacy and insecurity, deriving from actual or imagined physical or psychological deficiency.” (1) The term dates back to 1907, when it was coined by the influential psychoanalyst Alfred Adler to explain why so many people seem to lack the motivation to act in their own best interest and go after their goals in life. Contemporary psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals avoid the term now though, notes Maddux, often characterizing it instead as low self-esteem.

Signs and Symptoms of an Inferiority Complex

“Feeling inferior from time to time is human nature,” says Martin E. Ford, PhD, a professor and senior associate dean at George Mason University College of Education and Human Development in Fairfax, Virginia. “The key is how one responds to those feelings. Do they motivate you to learn and try to do better? Or do they cause you to ruminate and shut down? Or perhaps even worse, do they cause you to feel jealous of others and to put people down in order to build yourself up? Or to always blame others for things for which you should take personal responsibility? When such patterns become consistent across abroad set of circumstances, that is when the term ‘inferiority complex’ may apply.”

The essence of an inferiority complex is having a collection of negative thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and tendencies. Signs you may have one, according to Depression Alliance, include: (2)

• Repetitively focusing on thoughts that are upsetting
• Shutting down out of shame, guilt, embarrassment, or an inward sense of defeat
• Withdrawing from coworkers, colleagues, or family members
• Demeaning others as a way to transfer their feelings of isolation and failure

Psychology Today notes that a person with an inferiority complex may also: (3)

• Feel responsible for other people’s shortcomings and failures
• Seek attention and validation by pretending to be sick, depressed, or by continually bringing the conversation back to them
• Avoid any type of competition where their efforts might be directly compared with others; “People with very low self-esteem don’t take risks. They don’t try things and they end up missing out on many opportunities,” says Dr. Flowers
• Be extremely sensitive to both compliments and criticisms
• Exhibit personality traits, such as perfectionism and neuroticism (a tendency toward anxiety, depression, and other negative feelings) (4)

Learn More About the Symptoms and Signs of an Inferiority Complex

Causes and Risk Factors of an Inferiority Complex

Research suggests that the behavorial and psychological characteristics associated with an inferiority complex arise from a combination of factors, including:

Genetic Predisposition For example, a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that people who inherited a variation in the receptor for oxytocin, a hormone that contributes to positive emotions, felt less optimistic, had lower self-esteem, and felt less personal mastery than people who inherited a different type of receptor for oxytocin. (5)

Family of Origin According to Maddux, who has studied self-esteem for decades, your early caregivers can have an enormous impact on whether a genetic tendency toward self-doubt is “exacerbated” or “softened.” A child whose highly critical parent repeatedly says things like “You’re stupid,” “You’re a klutz,” or “You never do anything right” may internalize those admonishments so completely that they carry them into adulthood.

“When you are very young and impressionable and faced with constant criticism, you feel powerless, worthless, ashamed, shy, and unenthusiastic most of the time,” explains psychologist Elaine N. Aron, PhD, author of The Undervalued Self. “Feeling that it all must be your fault, you undervalue yourself chronically.”

Society Unrealistic standards coming from advertisers, social media, celebrities, and other figures of authority can create or reinforce perceptions about one’s self that lead to enormous self-doubt. “When society bombards us with messages about how we should act, what we should acquire, and about what type, size, and color our bodies should be, we internalize and feel diminished to such an extent that it affects our own assessment of who we are and what our real worth is,” says Caren Shapiro, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist in private practice in New York City.

“People who have very low self-esteem tend to compare themselves more with others,” notes Flowers. “And when they compare themselves, they compare themselves only to the most successful people.”

Learn More About the Causes of an Inferiority Complex

How Is an Inferiority Complex Diagnosed?

An inferiority complex is not a diagnosable mental health disorder. Instead, clinicians use low self-esteem as one possible symptom when they assess for other psychological problems, including:

• Anxiety Disorders “If you feel as if you’re not as good as others, it can provoke anxiety in many situations,” explains Dr. Aron.
• Depressive Disorders The link with depression is particularly strong; for instance, one large-scale meta-analysis of 77 prior studies published in the journal Psychological Bulletin showed that low self-esteem is a key factor in the development and maintenance of depression. (6)

Related

What Are Common Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders?

Duration of an Inferiority Complex

An untreated inferiority complex can endure for years, even a lifetime, primarily because it’s so hard for people with an entrenched negative view of themselves to absorb positive information that challenges that view, explains Aron. Indeed, she cites landmark research published in the journal Psychological Science that found telling people with low self-esteem to repeat affirmations like “I am enough” can actually be “ineffective and even harmful”. (7, PDF) “Repeating positive self-statements may benefit certain people, but backfire for the very people who ‘need’ them the most,” the study authors noted. “When people with low self-esteem repeated the statement, ‘I’m a lovable person,’ or focused on ways in which this statement was true of them, neither their feelings about themselves nor their moods improved — they got worse.”

“I don’t think anyone with a real inferiority complex can psych themselves out of it alone,” says Aron. “You have to have another person to validate and affirm your worth so that it becomes believable.”

Treatment, Medication Options, and Tips for Overcoming an Inferiority Complex

So is there a way to heal? Yes. Treatment today usually involves one of two approaches, or a combination of both, and possibly medication as well:

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) “There is tons and tons of evidence of the effectiveness of CBT,” says Maddux. “What CBT does is, in a very structured way, teaches people to examine the negative thoughts and feelings they’re having in the moment and gradually change them over time by checking their validity. ‘Am I really a totally incompetent person who never does anything right, or is that a cognitive distortion?’” 

Cognitive distortions are thoughts patterns that erode self-esteem. According to the Mayo Clinic, these include: (8)

• All-or-Nothing Thinking You see things as either all good or all bad. For example, “I’m a total failure because it took me more time than I said it would to write this report.”
• Mental Filtering By focusing only on the negatives, you distort your view of yourself. For example, “If I’m late to the meeting, everyone will know that I’m a loser.”
• Converting Positives Into Negatives You undervalue your successes and compliments. For example, “I only got the job because no one else wanted it.” “A person with chronic low self-esteem has learned to filter their successes out, to undervalue them time and time again,” Maddux says.
• Jumping to Negative Conclusions You reach a negative conclusion when little or no evidence supports it. For example, “My coworker went to lunch without me, so she must be mad at me.”
• Mistaking Feelings for Facts You confuse feelings or beliefs with facts. For example, “I don’t think I’m attractive, so I must be ugly.”

Psychodynamic Therapy, or Talk Therapy According to the American Psychiatric Association, “most people who receive psychotherapy experience relief and are better able to function in their lives.” (9)

To get the most help out of psychotherapy for chronic low self-esteem, “the first step is to develop a really deep understanding of where this feeling of diminishment is coming from by delving into the messaging that came early in life and exploring the situations that reinforced the feeling of not being good enough,” says Shapiro. “Next, we help shift the focus away from what they lack to the positive things about themselves and their lives. Once we, so to speak, even out the playing field, we can then, from a position of positive self-regard, repair their sense of self-confidence and self-esteem. ”

Medication When an individual has low self-esteem along with certain psychological conditions, such as severe anxiety or depression, medication may be warranted. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of American, options include antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which increase the levels of mood-lifting hormones in the brain by preventing their reabsorption by neurons. (10)

Learn More About Treatment for an Inferiority Complex

Complications of an Inferiority Complex

In some cases, people who continually see themselves as being lesser than those around them or as failing to meet societal standards may experience high psychological distress that leads to self-harming behaviors (such as cutting and substance abuse) or suicidality, notes Maddux.

More on Inferiority Complex

4 Ways to Overcome an Inferiority Complex at Work

What’s more, an inferiority complex can cause a widespread internalized sense of self-defeat or self-loathing in entire culture groups that face stereotypes and discrimination based on age, race, class, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other factors. (11)

“If you’re born a woman,” for example, “you’re very vulnerable to an inferiority complex,” says Aron. Women have long been viewed in our society as inferior to men, she explains, especially in certain in fields, such as the sciences, sports, and business. As a result, even a woman whose self-esteem is intact day to day has to battle against feeling inferior in the workforce, a feeling that’s reinforced by factors like the ongoing wage gap between men and women and the lack of women in leadership roles.

More on Inferiority Complex

How to Help Your Child Overcome an Inferiority Complex

The effect is measurable, write Katty Kay and Claire Shipman in “The Confidence Gap” in the May 2014 issue of The Atlantic. A growing body of evidence shows that “compared with men, women don’t consider themselves as ready for promotions, they predict they’ll do worse on tests, and they generally underestimate their abilities.” (12)

Learn More About the Complications of an Inferiority Complex

Related Conditions of an Inferiority Complex

In addition to depression and anxiety, low self-esteem is often associated with eating disorders. Negative feelings about body image contribute to eating disorders, which an estimated 30 million Americans (including 10 million boys and men) experience at some point in their lives, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. (13)

How to Tell the Difference Between a Superiority vs. Inferiority Complex

Another oft-cited sign of an inferiority complex is its opposite: narcissistic personality disorder, aka a superiority complex. How can the two be linked? Because, according to the APA definition, the tell-tale signs of a superiority complex — “an exaggerated opinion of one’s abilities and accomplishments” — arise from “an overcompensation for feelings of inferiority.” (14) As Mayo Clinic experts explain, although people with narcissistic personality disorders may appear “to have an inflated sense of their own importance. … Behind this mask of ultra-confidence lies a fragile self-esteem, vulnerable to the slightest criticism.” (15)

Resources We Love

Favorite Online Support Network

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

Sometimes, connecting with others can help you work through symptoms of depression and anxiety related to feelings of inferiority. If you’re looking for support, the ADAA can help. Search for a support group near you or start your own.

Favorite Self-Help Tools

The Undervalued Self

Can’t make it to a therapist just yet? This book by psychologist Elaine Aron offers deep yet simple to understand insight into why we feel sometimes feel defeated and worthless, compelling examples of how others have escaped feelings or shame, defeat, and depression, along with useful strategies for transforming your inner voice to enhance your self-worth.

Self-Esteem-Experts.com

Looking for ways to manage your dips in self-esteem? This site offers tons of worksheets and activities for boosting your confidence and changing the way you feel about yourself.

Centre for Clinical Interventions

This online service of the Government of Western Australia is a great resource for people worldwide, providing extensive information about low self-esteem, as well as a downloadable workbook for improving self-esteem.

Favorite App

Moodfit

Looking for ways to reduce your negative thoughts? This app offers cognitive therapy tools that help convert those thoughts into positive messages, create new habits that reduce anxiety, depression, and other signs of an inferiority complex, and even track how well any mood-related medication you’re taking are working.

Favorite Video

‘Meet Yourself: A User’s Guide to Building Self-Esteem’

In this short TED Talk, Niko Everett, the founder of the Girls for Change organization highlights the impact our thoughts have on our self-esteem and shares some techniques children and adults can use daily to enhance their image of themselves.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

1. Inferiority Complex. American Psychological Association Dictionary of Psychology.
2. Inferiority Complex: 5 Ways to Start Raising Your Self-Esteem. Depression Alliance.
3. Four Signs That Someone Is Probably Insecure.  Psychology Today. November 17, 2015.
4. What Is Neuroticism? Psychology Today.
5. Saphire-Bernstein S, Way B, Kim HS, et al. Oxytocin Receptor Gene (OXTR) Is Related to Psychological Resources. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. September 2011.
6. Sowislo J, Orth U. Does Low Self-Esteem Predict Depression and Anxiety? A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies. Psychological Bulletin. January 2013.
7. Wood J, Perunovic W, Lee J. Positive Self Statements: Power For Some, Peril For Others. Psychological Science. July 2009.
8. Self-Esteem: Steps to Feel Better About Yourself. Mayo Clinic. July 12, 2017.
9. What Is Psychotherapy? American Psychiatric Association. January 2019.
10. Medication. Anxiety and Depression Association of America. July 2019.
11. Thames A, Hinkin C, Byrd DA, et al. Effects of Stereotype Threat, Perceived Discrimination, and Examiner Race on Neuropsychological Performance: Simple as Black and White? Journal of the International Psychological Society. May 2013.
12. Kay K, Shipman C. The Confidence Gap. The Atlantic. May 2014.
13. What Are Eating Disorders? National Eating Disorders Association.
14. Superiority Complex. American Psychological Association Dictionary of Psychology.
15. Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Mayo Clinic.

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Understanding It, Traits, Treatment and More

A superiority complex is a behavior that suggests a person believes they’re somehow superior to others. People with this complex often have exaggerated opinions of themselves. They may believe their abilities and achievements surpass those of others.

However, a superiority complex may actually be hiding low self-esteem or a sense of inferiority.

Psychologist Alfred Adler first described the superiority complex in his early 20^th century work. He outlined that the complex is really a defense mechanism for feelings of inadequacy that we all struggle with.

In short, people with a superiority complex frequently have boastful attitudes to people around them. But these are merely a way to cover up feelings of failure or shortcoming.

The symptoms of superiority complex may include:

• high valuations of self-worth
• boastful claims that aren’t backed up by reality
• attention to appearance, or vanity
• overly high opinion of one’s self
• a self-image of supremacy or authority
• unwillingness to listen to others
• overcompensation for specific elements of life
• mood swings, often made worse by contradiction from another person
• underlying low self-esteem or feelings of inferiority

You may believe that you spot some of these symptoms in another person. They can be easy to identify, especially after a long relationship. But matching these symptoms to the complex itself is not that easy.

Many of these “symptoms” can also be caused by several other conditions. These include narcissistic personality disorder and bipolar disorder.

A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, may be able to see beneath the symptoms to the real issue. That is often a low self-esteem or sense of inferiority. If this is discovered, a superiority complex becomes distinct from other possible issues.

A superiority complex is an exaggerated sense of self-worth. It hides real feelings of mediocrity.

An inferiority complex is an overstated feeling of weakness. It often hides true motives, such as aspirations for power.

In Adler’s theory of individual psychology, a superiority complex and an inferiority complex are tied together. He held that a person who acted superior to others and held others as less worthy was actually hiding a feeling of inferiority. Likewise, some people who have really high aspirations may attempt to hide them by pretending to be modest or even incapable.

Individual psychology is based on the idea that we are all striving to overcome a sense of inadequacy or inferiority, and this leads us to master skills and create a meaningful life of belonging and success.

Overcoming feelings of inferiority are the motivation for us to create the life we want. In this context, a superiority complex is the result or reaction to a failure to achieve one’s goals or to live up to internal expectations.

Freud thought that a superiority complex was actually a way to compensate or overcompensate for areas in which we are lacking or failing. He thought it could be motivating or a way to help us cope with failure.

Superiority complex differs from genuine confidence in that confidence is a result of having an actual skill, success, or talent in a specific area. In contrast, a superiority complex is a false confidence or bravado when little or no success, achievement, or talent actually is there.

It’s unclear why anyone develops a superiority complex. Multiple situations or incidents may be the root cause.

For example, it may be the result of multiple failures. A person tries to complete a specific goal or achieve a desired outcome, but they don’t succeed. They learn to handle the anxiety and stress of the failure by pretending to be above it.

If they feel protected from their failures in this manner, they may repeat it in the future. In short, they learn to escape feelings of inadequacy by boasting and pretending to be better than others. But to people around this person, the behaviors may be seen as prideful and arrogant.

These behaviors can begin at an early age. When a child is learning to cope with challenges and changes, they may learn to suppress feelings of inadequacy or fear. A superiority complex may develop.

Likewise, it may also happen later in life. As teens and adults, a person has many opportunities to try new things among new people. If these situations are not successfully navigated, a person may develop a superiority complex to overcome feeling isolated or lacking.

A superiority complex is not an official diagnosis. It does not appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). This manual is a tool mental health experts and healthcare providers can use to diagnose a number of mental health disorders. The DSM-5 also helps healthcare providers decide on appropriate treatment.

However, not being in the manual does not mean the complex is not real. A mental health expert will use a combination of factors to determine if a person has the complex. These include observed behaviors and an evaluation during one-on-one sessions. Sometimes, conversations with friends and family members may be helpful, too.

Some symptoms of a superiority complex are similar to other mental health conditions. These include narcissistic personality disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, and bipolar disorder. Unlike superiority complex, these have definitive criteria for diagnosis. Your healthcare provider can rule out these and other conditions.

A superiority complex does not have a standard treatment. That’s because it is not considered an official diagnosis.

However, a healthcare professional or mental care provider can create a “treatment. ” This plan may help you to understand any underlying issues for boastful behavior. It will ultimately help you learn to handle them in a more beneficial manner.

Many people have feelings of inferiority and face setbacks. It’s how you learn to deal with those things that ultimately shapes your mental health. An expert, such as a psychologist, can help you learn to find solutions rather than create personas when you feel pressured.

Talk therapy is a common treatment for this complex. In these one-on-one sessions, a psychologist or therapist can help you properly assess your dilemmas. You can then craft more healthful responses. When you feel pressured in the future, you can use those tactics to help you overcome the feelings of weakness.

If you’re in a relationship with someone you believe has this complex, you can encourage them to seek treatment. At the same time, you may benefit from psychotherapy, too. A psychologist or therapist can help you learn to assess when your partner or family member is being honest and when they are feeling vulnerable.

You can help hold them accountable. You can also help encourage them in their quest to be more honest about their feelings and to identify new areas of growth in which they may succeed.

People with a superiority complex are unlikely to be a threat to anyone’s physical health. However, the continuous lies and exaggerations can become irritating to others and may negatively affect relationships.

If you’re in a relationship with a person you think has this issue, encourage them to seek help. They can find healthier ways of coping with hidden feelings.

You may also benefit from seeing a therapist, and you may consider seeing a therapist with your partner to learn more effective ways of expressing feelings to each other.

Acting superior or displaying other characteristics of a superiority complex is usually a way to mask or hide feelings of inferiority. If you believe you have a superiority complex, treatment from a mental health expert can help.

It takes time to work through these feelings and behaviors. It also requires awareness to avoid them again in the future. Dealing with a superiority complex is possible. Learning to have more honest, open dialogue with other people and how to set and pursue more realistic goals can help.

Inferiority complex

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Updated: 01 May 2021

Kirill Karpenko

Inferiority complex is a painful self-doubt, low self-esteem, a feeling of inferiority in comparison with other people. An inferiority complex is one of the symptoms of depression.

The concept of “inferiority complex” was introduced into scientific circulation by the Viennese psychoanalyst Alfred Adler .

Causes of an inferiority complex

Different factors can be the reasons for the development of an inferiority complex:

• physical handicap, defect;
• overprotection of a child, that is, excessive care leading to learned helplessness and dependence;
• under-custody over a child, that is, a lack of care for him, giving rise to a feeling of insecurity, insecurity and vulnerability;
• child abuse;
• discrimination;
• failures, errors;
• illogical, inadequate, negative thinking;
• non-constructive criticism and pessimistic environment.

Compensation and elimination of the inferiority complex

The inferiority complex can lead to the development of the role of the victim, the desire to arouse self-pity, care and guardianship.

Or it can lead to a superiority complex, arrogance, boastfulness and arrogance.

An effective way to eliminate an inferiority complex is to work and strive for achievements. Productive work and personal success raise self-esteem and lead to self-respect.

To prevent the development of an inferiority complex, it is necessary to properly educate children. On the one hand, the child must be given the necessary care and support. On the other hand, it is necessary to systematically encourage and develop the independence, diligence and responsibility of children.

To get rid of an inferiority complex, it is important to form an adequate, objective and positive outlook.

If an inferiority complex is caused by a negative environment, then one must learn to resist psychological pressure.

Alfred Adler on Inferiority Complex:

“ The desire for superiority never disappears, and in fact, it is precisely this that shapes the mind and psyche of a person. Life is the achievement of a goal or form, and the desire for superiority is the driving force for achieving form It is a kind of current that carries forward all the material that can be found …

Alfred Adler (1870-1937).

Every person has a feeling of inferiority . It is not a mental disorder, but, on the contrary, stimulates normal aspirations and healthy development. This feeling becomes pathological only when the feeling of inadequacy wins in a person, and this inhibits his useful activity, makes him depressive and incapable of development. In such a situation, the superiority complex can be one of the methods to avoid their difficulties.

A person with an inferiority complex pretends to be better than he really is, and this false success compensates for the feeling of inferiority that has become unbearable for him. A normal person does not have a shadow of superiority complex . Of course, he strives to be superior in the sense that we all have ambition and a desire to succeed, but as long as this desire is expressed in work, it does not lead to false assessments that underlie mental disorders.0022

A joke about an inferiority complex

— Doctor, I have an inferiority complex!

– What are you, you don’t have an inferiority complex, you have a real inferiority!

• depression

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Inferiority complex: how to get rid of?

An inferiority complex is formed when a person is convinced that he does not meet the generally accepted standards and norms in some respects. A person feels his own uselessness and inadequacy, comparing himself with a low-quality product that will soon be thrown into a landfill.

The feeling of inferiority arises in some people during a difficult life period, when they cannot cope with the problem for a long time. Others feel inferior all the time. It is not a rational belief in the superiority of others that does not allow you to live fully, but the question “how to get rid of complexes?” does not go out of my head. A notorious person is overly self-critical and humiliates himself. What is the essence of the inferiority complex and how to get rid of it?

An inferiority complex is the first cause of neuroses. Get rid of the ballast and live fully!

Causes and signs of an inferiority complex

The causes of an inferiority complex lie in childhood. The sensation arises if a person has physiology deficiencies since childhood. The notorious member of society is brought up by the parents themselves with increased guardianship, which does not allow the child to learn to act and live independently. But the lack of parental attention is fraught with the development of the complex.

One negative situation can sow the seed of an inferiority complex, and a dysfunctional family life, lack of luck, constant criticism and negative suggestions from others will develop this feeling to the maximum extent.

A notorious person behaves demonstratively, draws attention to his own person and does not adapt well in society. A person with an inferiority complex is afraid of making mistakes and often suffers from social phobia due to speech problems. It is worth noting that it is more difficult to notice signs of an inferiority complex in men than in women. This is due to the presence in their lives of the attributes of success and respectability – expensive cars, highly paid positions, expensive suits.

What is an inferiority complex really?

Complexity acts like a splinter. So that the unpleasant sensations from the “splinter” do not interfere with life, a person puts on a social mask. The superficial image is shown to others, but in fact the person’s personality is diametrically opposed.

An inferiority complex is generated by fears and self-doubt. A person worries that his superficial image will not withstand the onslaught of the world around him and he will face his own insecurities face to face. False social masks protect people from their own worthlessness and uselessness. In advanced cases of an inferiority complex, a person shows all the signs of megalomania, and sometimes aggression and tyranny.

In fact, a person with an inferiority complex dreams with all his heart that there will be those people who will accept him along with all the features and “cockroaches”. He himself wants to accept himself with all the shortcomings in order to stop self-flagellation. A notorious person expects praise and approval from others.

Dissolved in a sense of his own inferiority, a person will be what they call a loser. He relishes the unfulfillment and buries himself in it. Notorious people are unhappy, regardless of status and financial situation.

People with an inferiority complex are often envious and feel joy when others fail.

12 steps to get rid of an inferiority complex

It is necessary to get rid of the negative feeling of inferiority. Following simple recommendations and advice, you can overcome complexes and begin to think and look at life positively. So:

• Be aware of the reason for the feeling of inferiority.

Dig into your memories and determine at what point the development of the complex began. Find in your memory the situation that traumatized you and analyze it. Answer: what emotions did you experience then? What did you think about after an unpleasant situation? How much did the situation affect your feelings and thoughts? How long did you worry about the incident? The complex has been developing since childhood. Now that you’re an adult, it’s time to reevaluate. Write the negative beliefs you go through life with in a column on a piece of paper. On the contrary, indicate a new positive interpretation of the negative quality. Suppose that the negative belief that has become the basis of the complex is a lack of appearance (long nose, big ears, scar, etc.). Indicate on the other side of the sheet how this is compensated (beautiful smile, expressive look, slender figure, etc.). Destroy the negative part of the sheet, and read the second part daily until the positive beliefs become normal for you.

• Watch your own thinking.

The internal dialogue should be on a positive note. If negative beliefs arise in your head, immediately change them to positive or at least neutral ones. Think of your own character, appearance and behavior only from a positive point of view. It is impossible to abstract from the complex without changing the way of thinking.

• Analyze your own personality.

All people have strong and weak character traits. Analyze yourself. Knowing your own strengths will help you respond more calmly to the criticisms of others. Keep in mind that there should be more positive qualities than negative sides. If you have any difficulties, ask friends and family for help.

• Recognize the negatives.

Ignoring shortcomings will not lead to anything positive. Weaknesses of character need to be known and accepted, but there is no need to experience an inferiority complex in this regard. Everyone has unpleasant traits, but only by recognizing them, you can overcome the negative sides.

• Emphasize the virtues of character.

Whenever an inferiority complex takes over a situation, remember the positive qualities. Consciously shift your attention to the dignity of your own personality. Act persistently and soon you will notice that self-esteem has increased and the complex is defeated.

• Do not take criticism to heart.

Criticism is a subjective judgment of other people and nothing more. There may be some fairness in a critical statement that is worth listening to, but do not forget that the opinions of others are not the ultimate truth.

The reason for the inferiority complex is not in the statements of others, but in your own thoughts on this matter.

• Watch your own surroundings.

Cheerful and positive people put others in an optimistic mood. Communication with them supports in difficult moments and gives inspiration for new achievements and the development of one’s own life.

• Do not avoid contact with people.

Notorious people avoid communication with others. They are reserved and closed. Face fear in the face and don’t make up excuses to avoid communication. By following this advice, you will notice that people are quite positive about you and do not criticize you.

• Constantly develop.

Engage in physical, intellectual and spiritual development continuously. Learn new things on your own, read books, attend courses and trainings. As you develop, you will become an interesting conversationalist, and your self-esteem will increase.