Meaning of the Inferiority Complex (What it is, Concept and Definition)

Inferiority complex, according to psychoanalysis, consists of the feeling that a person has that he is inferior to other individuals..

Some of the basic symptoms that characterize the inferiority complex are: feelings of guilt, low esteem, sadness, insecurity, withdrawal from social contacts and unconscious incapacity.

The creator of the term "inferiority complex" was the Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler, responsible for founding Child Development Psychology.

According to the concept created by Adler, the inferiority complex mainly develops during childhood, from experiences and negative criticism received by the child.

The lack of encouragement, support and praise helps to create an unconscious block in the individual's adulthood, making you feel unable to perform certain activities or feel that everything you produce is wrong or bad.

When the child is exposed to different social environments and suffers negative comparisons with other individuals, the feeling of interiority can increase.

Some of the main causes that lead to the inferiority complex are: the negative and neglectful attitude of the parents; physical and/or mental defects (when they are targets of unfavorable comparisons for the person who has them); and prejudices (constantly negative and discriminatory comments).

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Treatment of inferiority complex

Psychological counseling is the initial step to begin treatment for the inferiority complex. For this, the individual must first recognize their complex (problem awareness).

The next step is to adopt more positive and constructive attitudes in everyday life. The treatment process can be slow and must always be accompanied by a qualified professional in the field of psychology.

superiority complex

The superiority complex is related to the inferiority complex. In reality, it is a subconscious defense mechanism that some individuals who suffer from the inferiority complex develop.

People with this complex project their negative traits onto others they judge to be weaker or inferior.

Normally, the individual with a superiority complex is considered arrogant, arrogant or insolent, mainly due to their exaggerated behavior of pride and vanity.

Among other characteristics of the superiority complex is the feeling of dominating individuals considered weaker or more important, the tendency to discredit other people's opinions, social withdrawal, ramblings, visual extravagance (as a way of attracting attention), and so on.

Learn more about the meaning of Complex.

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