An inferiority complex creates an unrealistic feeling within an individual which causes them to believe they are generally inadequate in specific, actual, or perceived areas. To compensate for these feelings, some people with an inferiority complex may be overly aggressive within the spheres where they feel like they come up short.
At some point in life, everyone feels inferior in some way. You may develop an inferiority complex, however, if those feelings affect your self-esteem over a prolonged time period. What are the symptoms of an inferiority complex?
1. Belittling Others
People with an inferiority complex need to feel superior to other people to give their self-esteem some definition. This causes them to be demeaning to other people. They tear others down to build themselves up.
2. Blamestorming
If someone with an inferiority complex fails, it is never their fault. There is always someone or something to blame. There is never any personal responsibility taken for an outcome. Eventually, it feels like the entire universe is out to get them.
3. Bitterness
An inferiority complex causes people to celebrate when others fail and become bitter when others succeed. Success comes through luck, or some other external factor, and not from any superior level of skill or training.
4. Isolation
People with an inferiority complex often avoid group situations because they have a fear of failure. They only compete when there is an assurance they will come out victorious. They avoid situations when any ability will be tested, which then reduces the risks of suffering from disappointment.
5. Sensitivity
Mood swings are very common for people dealing with an inferiority complex. They are extremely sensitive to compliments received and criticisms offered. Compliments are often questioned to see if they are genuine. Criticisms create an immediate defensive reaction. Every comment directed toward them is taken seriously in some way.
6. Attention Seeking
People with an inferiority complex do whatever it takes to become the center of attention. If aggression doesn’t work, they might pretend to be sick. They may appear to be unhappy. They might also make risky decisions that even fall outside their own moral code.
An inferiority complex can be difficult to overcome. It often forms because of painful past incidents that deeply affected the individual. Through positive thinking, differential quality evaluations, and acceptance of situations, it is possible to begin the healing process.