Napoleon Complex, otherwise known as short man syndrome, is actually a term that is used to describe the alleged type of psychological phenomenon. The sign of this phenomenon is being small, as comparable to the size of a small dog. If you dig deeper into Napoleon complex psychology, you will learn that this is also defined the inferiority complex that is commonly experienced by those diminutive people who are overcompensating for their height through becoming excessively aggressive.
Jealousy and Aggression Borne of Deprivation
Such condition is a result that is developed from early ages. Those small children are commonly subjected to bullying and ridicule by their peers. This can develop a sense of passivity and inferiority, hence they would consistently strive for control and power over other people.
This feeling of aggression carries on to one’s adulthood. Various studies revealed that tall people are more likely to become more successful in some public pursuits that require negotiation skills and leadership like in occupations such as business and law.
Where Does it Started?
Napoleon Complex was named after French Emperor Napoleon I, who compensated for his lack of height through seeking more power, conquest and war. In napoleon complex psychology, this is regarded as something that is derogatory social stereotype.
The Aggressive Behavior
Those who are experiencing this condition have a very aggressive behavior, which is commonly displayed as their reaction to some repeated discriminations or rejections due to their height. Many scientific studies indicate that this condition is mentally affecting the small person as well as his relationship with women and his peers. It also reveals that a small man is much more jealous than those taller men.
When it comes to the work scene, smaller men on average are earning less than their taller peers. They also hold little chances of promotion. It is also of note that the largest percentage of those management positions in the workplace are commonly held by tall people, which can all to the growing feelings of low self-esteem of short men. According to napoleon complex psychology, whatever the main reason for the aggression of small persons, it is a huge problem in the society and it causes great stress to the person.
Some hypothesis have also been put forward in order to explain the behavior of those inferior individuals due to their height, which include the “desperado effect,” wherein the likely losers are initiating aggression because they lack alternative option. Alternative explanations also suggested that those likely loser light attack because their mistakenly perceive that their chances of triumph will increase.
Short individuals are usually the brunt of jokes, and it is not surprising to know that there’s a speculated link between aggression and the lack of height. Many researchers even surveyed one-hundred participants from both genders who are in relationships, regarding their feelings of jealousy. Interestingly, those men who are around five feet, four inches tall were found to be 50% more prone to feelings of jealousy than those who measure six feet, six inches tall.