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An inferiority complex is an unconscious feeling of inadequacy that can cause psychological distress. It can be treated through psychotherapy, and is often caused by childhood events such as harassment or discrimination. Overcompensation is common, with some becoming shy and others becoming aggressive. Identifying the complex can be difficult, but psychotherapy can help.
An inferiority complex is a mostly unconscious sense of inadequacy that can manifest itself in strange ways when someone attempts to compensate for it. People with these kinds of feelings believe that they are not as worthy or as capable as their peers, which can cause considerable psychological distress, whether or not they are aware of these feelings on a conscious level. This psychological condition can be treated through psychotherapy, in which the roots of the complex are explored to help the patient process it and move forward.
The inferiority complex theory was proposed in the 1920s by Alfred Adler. Adler believed that everyone begins to experience feelings of inferiority in childhood, due to the inherently unequal position and psychological dependence experienced by children. As people matured, most managed to overcome this sense of inferiority to become fully functioning adults, but some became trapped in this mindset, developing an inferiority complex and experiencing a lingering sense of inadequacy.
Someone with an inferiority complex wants to be recognized and praised at the same time but also fears humiliation. Many have experienced humiliation in the past and have built up fears around the idea of being laughed at by peers. Consequently, overcompensation is common to avoid being humiliated and to establish a barrier between the patient and society. Some people overcompensate by becoming shy and engaging in self-depreciation, while others may become aggressive, trying to overcome their psychological distress by dominating.
Certain childhood events seem to predispose people to an inferiority complex. People who grow up in lower social classes may be more at risk from harassment and discrimination from their peers, whether they differ in economic status, religion or skin color. Education also plays a role; for example, someone with siblings may develop an inferiority complex as a result of being constantly compared, usually unfavorably, to siblings. People with physical or mental disabilities may also develop a sense of inferiority as they attempt to navigate a society tailored to able-bodied people.
Identifying an inferiority complex can be tricky. It is usually recognized during more general psychotherapy, at which point the therapist can address the issue with the client. People who experience feelings of inadequacy, feel they struggle in social situations, or actively sabotage themselves may benefit from psychotherapy to determine whether or not they have an inferiority complex and to process the feelings associated with the complex.
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