Inferiority complex: usefulness or integrity?

Everyone has sometimes felt uncertain, for example, before making an important decision or a difficult choice, before some exciting event or public speaking, i.e. in any situation when you need to have unshakable faith in your capabilities, abilities, yourself. Such situations occur in the professional sphere, in creativity, in education, in sports and in personal life.

Such cases are characterized by anxiety and excitement, and this is common to everyone, because, in fact, this is a completely normal and standard reaction of the human psyche. However, not every person is able to always believe in themselves, not doubt their capabilities, overcome psychological barriers, start a business and achieve their goals. And if in the end a failure, setback, refusal or some other negatively colored event occurs, especially if this happens frequently and systematically, he may develop an inferiority complex.

In this article we will tell you what an inferiority complex is, what are its signs and symptoms, and its characteristics in men and women. You will also learn why it occurs, what it can lead to, and why it is dangerous. And, of course, we will offer several ways to overcome it.

What is an inferiority complex and its causes?

The term “inferiority complex” appeared in science (in psychology) thanks to the famous German psychoanalyst Alfred Adler. It was Adler who gave it a definition and identified several components.

An inferiority complex is a set of emotional and psychological sensations that are expressed in a feeling of one’s own inferiority and an unfounded belief in the superiority of those around oneself.

The complex consists of several elements:

• constant and strong self-doubt;
• excessively low self-esteem;
• undeveloped sense of self-worth;
• feelings of superiority of others over oneself.

In simple words, it can be called a loser complex, because... a person believes in his inadequacy, insignificance, inferiority, uselessness, lack of positive traits and abilities that will allow him to achieve success. By the way, mentions of the complex can also be found in classical literature - there it is described as a “superfluous person” complex.

Alfred Adler believed that the inferiority complex is based on fear - the fear of being redundant and alone, of being rejected, unnecessary or inferior, and all these fears stem from the unconscious fear of death. The scientist also said that a feeling of inferiority arises in early childhood, when a child has to face all sorts of restrictions due to age, physical and mental development.

In general, the causes of an inferiority complex are:

• physical or cosmetic deficiencies;
• lack of favorable conditions for developing independence skills;
• excessive control and guardianship on the part of parents (suppression of personality);
• lack of attention and support from parents (development of self-doubt);
• serious psychological trauma (violence, divorce, upbringing in an orphanage, etc.);
• discrimination;
• constant failures followed by derogatory criticism from others.

Here we cannot help but point out an important nuance: both an excess of parental attention and a lack of it equally provoke the development of an inferiority complex, because they do not allow the makings of a self-sufficient, self-confident and independent person to develop.

And if we bring all the reasons to a single denominator, we can see that the main problem that serves as a catalyst for the emergence of the complex lies in the severe suppression of a person’s individuality from the very first years of his life.

Among other things, the inferiority complex serves as a source of related other complexes, such as, for example, the superiority complex, which is expressed in arrogance and boasting. There are examples of this too: children and young people often take the path of a criminal life, feeling an imaginary superiority over weaker people and those at whose expense they manage to assert themselves.

However, the consequences can be even more serious, and they should be discussed separately. But first, let's see what psychologists say about the inferiority complex.

Basic concepts of Adler's individual psychology

Adler's theory is based on several sources. The theory of evolution of Charles Darwin, the psychoanalytic theory of Z. Freud, the will to power of Nietzsche, the fictional goals of Vaihinger and the theory of holism became especially significant. Adler concentrated his attention on the relationship between the individual and the world around him. The main biological fact for Adler is not the child’s instinctive sexual behavior, but the fact that the child feels small and helpless in the world of adults. According to Adler, children's early attempts to adapt to their environment lead them to develop superiority over others as a way to gain self-esteem and achieve success.

What is dangerous about an inferiority complex and how does it manifest itself?

We will not analyze in detail the consequences of an inferiority complex, but will simply point out them. We think that just by describing them it will be possible to come to a clear understanding of what the feeling of one’s own inferiority and worthlessness can lead to.

Common consequences of an inferiority complex are mental disorders of varying degrees:

• suicidal thoughts and tendencies;
• psychological dependence on people, habits, living conditions;
• various manifestations of neurosis;
• prolonged depression;
• personality degradation;
• self-flagellation, guilt, self-pity and other forms of self-destruction;
• discord in relationships with others, up to the breakdown of the family;
• loneliness, seclusion, escape from the world.

As we see, individuals with an inferiority complex risk finding themselves in a very unpleasant, if not deplorable, situation, the consequences of which may be irreversible. Therefore, it is imperative to fight it. However, you shouldn’t take on too much and think that you have an inferiority complex just because you sometimes feel insecure and incapable of doing something.

This negative condition has a number of characteristic signs - symptoms that can be used to confidently indicate its presence. Let's look at them:

• inadequate self-criticism, descending to self-deprecation;
• unhealthy dependence on the opinions of others;
• painful lack of praise and positive evaluation;
• a constant state of anxiety and inexplicable fear;
• pronounced demonstrative behavior;
• inappropriate aggressive behavior;
• victim behavior and exaggerated fear of making a mistake;
• arrogance and rudeness in communication;
• self-isolation from society, isolation;
• excuses and the desire to shift responsibility to other people;
• fear of competition and lack of interest in achieving success;
• an endless search for flaws in oneself and in others;
• hypersensitivity to criticism and objections;
• immersion in a fictional reality: computer games, movies, TV series, the Internet.

Everything we have said can be attributed to general symptoms of an inferiority complex. In addition to this, you definitely need to know that it can manifest itself differently in men and women, and also be experienced differently by them.

Men with an inferiority complex are characterized by aggressiveness, arrogance, and the desire to emphasize (including with the help of appropriate attributes and accessories) their status and significance, masculinity and position in society. Also in men with this mental state you can often observe:

• Don Juan syndrome;
• boss syndrome;
• Napoleon syndrome;
• Lot's syndrome;
• Alexander syndrome;
• King David syndrome;
• Kotovsky syndrome;
• Hercules syndrome;
• male impotence syndrome;
• lost time syndrome.

We advise you to read about these syndromes in additional sources to better understand what you may encounter.

As for women, they themselves are more emotional than men, therefore they are more prone not only to worries, but also to self-criticism, and also pay increased attention to their shortcomings. For this reason, some psychologists argue that in the female psychological space an inferiority complex is present a priori.

Be that as it may, manifestations of this complex can be expressed in women in the following forms:

• dissatisfaction with one’s own physical characteristics;
• dissatisfaction with one's appearance;
• aggravated guilt complex;
• fear of loneliness;
• dislike of the male sex;
• denial of one's gender identity (desire to be like a man);
• feeling of unfulfillment;
• feeling of uselessness;
• the feeling that no one loves you.

We can talk about the presence of an inferiority complex only when most of the symptoms we have cited are present in a person’s behavior and manifestations. As a rule, it can be dealt with quite simply and painlessly, but in aggravated situations, the help of a specialist may be required. Below we will touch on both.

The latest achievements of Alfred Adler

Many of Adler's innovative ideas are now so widely used that they are taken for granted. His work on the interaction of psychological and physical elements in cases of organic inferiority (see above) became instrumental in the creation of psychosomatic medicine. Almost every psychological work related to education uses provisions from Adler's theory regarding child behavior, although without reference to it. Adlerian psychology influenced leading psychologists such as Maslow, Rogers, it is documented (Ansbacher, 1990) [7, 141]. As has been repeatedly proven, Adler's theory became a prerequisite for the formation of cognitive psychology. Adler's significant contribution to the development of modern psychology is the study of the inferiority complex, the role of power and aggression in human behavior, the concept of the unity of personality and the assertion of the importance of non-sexual factors in development.

Adler's ideas were of great importance for the development of modern psychology, psychiatry, especially children's, and also had a significant impact on the processes of education and training.

How to get rid of an inferiority complex on your own

So, what should a person do with an inferiority complex - this serious obstacle to a happy and joyful life? We, of course, believe that a simple awareness of one’s uniqueness, self-acceptance and refusal to “fit” one’s personality to some standards can influence one’s sense of oneself in the world, but this does not always work and not for everyone.

Therefore, we offer you some simple but effective recommendations that will help you forget about your inferiority complex like a bad dream:

• Determine the cause of the complex . Firstly, you need to look at all the injustices and offensive words and actions addressed to you from the position of an adult: you have not always made a mistake in something and turned out to be bad. Secondly, you need to let go of all your grievances that weigh you down. Everyone can make mistakes, stumble and be wrong, but you need to be able to forgive and forget the bad.
• Start thinking about yourself in the opposite way . Switch from negative to positive. Analyze yourself, your qualities and actions, and approach this creatively - start looking for advantages, not disadvantages. Make a list of your successes and positive qualities and look at it often.
• Start working on your shortcomings . Most of them can be fixed. Books, seminars, trainings, audiobooks, new knowledge and acquaintances - all this motivates you to work on yourself. Think about what you can and need to get better at and find a way to do it. Develop mentally, physically and spiritually.
• Stop taking criticism painfully . In most cases, people do not criticize other people, but their actions, actions, or situations in general. Taking everything personally is a big mistake. Remember that the cause of an inferiority complex is not criticism and annoying remarks, but your reaction to them.
• Treat compliments appropriately . There is no need to try to find a catch in praise or encouragement. Most likely, it simply isn't there. And if the author of kind words is an insincere person, just, as they say, never mind. Say “Thank you” and switch to another topic.
• Try to communicate more with successful, positive, self-confident and self-sufficient people . The environment most directly influences a person and his perception of himself, the world and life. The better your environment is, the better you will become. In addition, it is useful to gain experience in communication, so forbid yourself to avoid people.
• Find a role model . This could be a famous politician or businessman, a hero from a movie or a favorite book, a real or fictional character. This person must have qualities that you lack. In any unclear situation, do as he would do. Try on the image of who you would like to be, and over time you can become that person.
• Keep a success diary . Write down in it in abstract form all the good events, successes, achievements, successful acquaintances, cool expressions and interesting ideas. This diary will be a constant confirmation that you have something to be proud of, and being proud of yourself is the best way to build self-esteem and overcome an inferiority complex.
• Love yourself . A positive attitude towards oneself is not narcissism at all, but healthy self-esteem. If you lack positivity from the outside, stand in front of the mirror more often and tell yourself something good, for example, the same compliments.
• Have fun, attend entertainment events, concerts, clubs and parties . Participation in such events will allow you to unload emotionally, take the weight of unsettled life and dissatisfaction with yourself off your shoulders. Don't hide from others and the outside world. On the contrary - meet them halfway!
• If you are used to comparing yourself to other people, this is one of your biggest mistakes . Stop being a shadow of those around you and try to be like those with whom you communicate. You are an individual, and self-respect will only appear after accepting this. Always and everywhere strive to remain yourself.
• Play sports . This is remarkably liberating, gives self-confidence, trains character and willpower, and strengthens the spirit. Swimming, fitness, martial arts, skating, football, and even simple jogging in the morning will raise your self-esteem.
• Pay attention to your image and start making changes in your life by changing your appearance . Get a new hairstyle, buy some cool clothes you've been wanting, get a tattoo (like a temporary one), or change your style altogether. External transformation will certainly be followed by internal transformation.
• Talk about your problems with one of your friends or family . External support can be of great benefit. Ask them to name your positive qualities and strengths, tell you what you can be good at and why; Ask if these people are worried about thoughts similar to yours. Most likely, you are not alone, because everyone sometimes has to face the fact that they are not good enough at something.

And we also want to remind you that an inferiority complex can be used as additional motivation. For example, he pushed many people to achieve success and accomplishments in life. There are examples of people who managed to overcome a lot of difficulties and problems associated with self-esteem and became quite wealthy and accomplished individuals.

You may not have known, but at one time you suffered from an inferiority complex:

• commander Napoleon Bonaparte;
• Empress Catherine II;
• ancient Roman orator Demosthenes
• singer and musician Elvis Presley
• actress and public figure Brigitte Bardot;
• princess Diana;
• actress and singer Marlene Dietrich;
• actress and model Liv Tyler;
• fashion model Claudia Schiffer;
• actress Greta Garbo;
• TV presenter Oprah Winfrey;
• singer Christina Aguilera;
• singer Lady Gaga.

All these and many other people not only managed to overcome each of their inferiority complexes (or reduce its influence to a minimum), but also became famous people, strengthened their position in society, and gained the authority and respect of others.

By the way, achieving success is another one of the most powerful ways to form, maintain and increase self-esteem and self-respect, completeness and self-sufficiency. However, success can be achieved only by constantly overcoming the feeling of inadequacy, complexes and uncertainty.

If all of the above is difficult for you and you understand that you are unable to cope with the problem on your own, or if there are people in your environment with an inferiority complex whom you want to help, you can turn to professionals for help.

How to use a weak psychological function. Life Success Strategy

The first step towards correcting your own shortcomings is recognizing the fact that there are problems. After all, as long as a person considers himself ideal and blames others for his troubles, no new psychotherapeutic techniques will help him.

Paths to success should be chosen based on your strong functions. It would be a big mistake to rely on weak functions: this way we will be doomed to eternal ups and downs. The ups here can be very bright, but very short-lived, the payback is heavy: psychological complexes and neuroses, illnesses, everyday disorder, difficulties in communication and even early death.

Of course, we must understand that astrology does not prohibit anyone from working to the limit of their capabilities, that is, on weak functions, it simply tells what the retribution will be so that people can make decisions with open eyes.

We must give ourselves and those around us the opportunity to be natural, to be ourselves. The main thing is not to treat the development of weak functions as an opportunity to become a different person. This is just an opportunity to cover up your “nudity”, find a suitable image for yourself, but not break your psyche.

Overcoming an inferiority complex with the help of a specialist

There are many methods that allow people to gain self-confidence, normalize self-esteem, and believe in themselves and their potential. But, unfortunately, they are not always able to find and apply them without third-party intervention. This is why many psychologists and psychotherapists specialize specifically in helping people with an inferiority complex.

Our specialists have the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience, and can offer their clients various therapy options. The most popular are:

• Psychological training . There are many variations. Here is one of them: the psychotherapist invites the client to divide a blank sheet of paper into two parts, on one of which he should write his negative qualities, and on the other - positive ones. At the same time, the specialist analyzes what the client said and gives his assessment of it. After the client completes the task, the sheet of paper is cut in half. The “good” part remains for regular reading (for example, it is placed in a visible place on the house), and the “bad” part is torn into pieces or burned.
• Family therapy . If during the conversation the specialist comes to the conclusion that the cause of the inferiority complex lies in some kind of childhood trauma, the client’s relatives, for example, parents, are involved in the work to neutralize it. Joint conversations and various tasks given by the psychotherapist during the training have a powerful effect in solving the problem.
• Impersonation method . A specialist, talking with a client and analyzing his problem, gives him the task of conducting a dialogue with some inanimate object. This allows a person to express everything that worries him and talk it out. Often the task of “talking” with objects is given at home, where the client will be alone and nothing will distract or embarrass him. By the way, in many cases you can talk to pets.
• "Protective field" method . The meaning of this method is that the psychotherapist instructs the client to “surround” himself with a “protective field” in any situation when someone makes comments or objections, criticizes or outright insults. A person imagines that he is surrounded by some invisible substance that does not allow the flow of negativity from the interlocutor to pass through and protects him from the effects of offensive, caustic and unfair words.

Naturally, these are not all the methods used by psychotherapists. It all depends on the characteristics of each situation and the severity of the inferiority complex. Sometimes they resort to complex therapy, thanks to which the most complex psychological problems can be resolved in whole or in part.