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Inferiority Complex: Definition, Symptoms, & Treatments

Published: July 1, 2021 Updated: June 29, 2022
Published: 07/01/2021 Updated: 06/29/2022
Headshot of Eric Patterson, LPC
Written by:

Eric Patterson

LPC
Headshot of Naveed Saleh, MD, MS
Reviewed by:

Naveed Saleh

MD, MS
  • What Is an Inferiority Complex?Definition
  • Signs of an Inferiority ComplexSigns
  • Symptoms of an Inferiority ComplexSymptoms
  • Effects of Inferiority ComplexesEffects
  • Causes of an Inferiority ComplexCauses
  • Treatment for Inferiority ComplexTreatment
  • History of Inferiority ComplexesHistory
  • Final Thoughts on Inferiority ComplexesConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Inferiority Complex InfographicsInfographics
Headshot of Eric Patterson, LPC
Written by:

Eric Patterson

LPC
Headshot of Naveed Saleh, MD, MS
Reviewed by:

Naveed Saleh

MD, MS

All people have moments of self-doubt, hesitation, and low self-esteem, but for those with an inferiority complex, the struggle is constant and more impactful. An inferiority complex can limit a person’s happiness and well-being, and even lead to depression and suicide. Taking steps to acknowledge and treat an inferiority complex can reduce harm and improve a person’s sense of worth.

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What Is an Inferiority Complex?

An inferiority complex is the prevailing feeling that others are better, more accomplished, more attractive, and happier. With an inferiority complex in place, people chronically struggle to feel positive about themselves, their actions, and their life overall. All other people seem superior, which results in the individual experiencing a range of unwanted mental and physical health effects.1

An inferiority complex presents in two main ways:1

  1. Withdrawing from social, occupational, and educational situations due to being overly timid and fearful
  2. Overcompensating for or masking insecurity by being overly competitive, aggressive, or arrogant

Is an Inferiority Complex a Mental Health Disorder?

An inferiority complex isn’t recognized as an official mental health diagnosis or disorder; however, the condition does create an unwanted influence on the well-being of people. Note that symptoms of long-term issues with confidence and self-esteem can overlap with an inferiority complex. For this reason, people should always consult with a mental health professional for individualized assessment and treatment.

Superiority Complex vs. Inferiority Complex

A superiority complex is the opposite of an inferiority complex. Someone with this kind of complex will display an inflated view of their own abilities and achievements. It’s caused by a desire to overcompensate for an inferiority complex, which means that one cannot exist without the other.3

Signs of an Inferiority Complex

Those with an inferiority complex will display signs of the condition in different ways. With the signs of inferiority complex representing the outward presentation of the condition, observers must make assumptions regarding what is occurring under the surface.

Signs of an inferiority complex include:4,5

  • Poor eye contact, soft tone of voice, and passive communication style
  • Signs linked to depression like low motivation, low energy, and irritability
  • Quick and unexpected mood changes
  • Poor sleep schedules
  • Few relationships or relationships where the person bends to the whims of others
  • An inability to give self compliments
  • Downplays accomplishments and positive qualities

Alternatively, a person with a superiority complex triggered by inferiority will present with the opposite signs. They will display an elevated self-worth, a level of grandiosity, and consistent boasting about their abilities. Some may understand the overcompensation, while others may not realize it stems from an underlying sense of inferiority.

Symptoms of an Inferiority Complex

Because people with an inferiority complex tend to become polarized towards either withdrawing or aggressive overcompensation, the complex will present symptoms that may appear contradictory.

Symptoms of an inferiority complex with withdrawal include:4,5

  • Low mood and depression
  • Feeling no hope that situations will change or improve
  • Low self-worth, self-esteem, and confidence
  • Feeling anxious, worried, or inadequate about situations
  • Feeling ashamed, guilty, or regretful of choices or actions
  • Negative self-talk

Symptoms of an inferiority complex with overcompensation include:4,5

  • Feeling unstoppable and very happy at times
  • A fragile sense of self that is significantly harmed by criticism
  • A need to be perfect and a desire for perfectionism
  • Not believing or dismissing people who offer constructive feedback

With either form of inferiority complex, the outside observer may struggle to understand what is happening to the person internally. Their signs and symptoms can be mistaken for many mental health conditions. For the best outcome, people should discuss their experiences and impressions with others.

Effects of Inferiority Complexes

Depending on its severity, an inferiority complex has the potential to substantially impact the way a person performs and functions in all phases or areas of their life, including work, romantic relationships, home life, education, and friendships. With any type of relationship, a person with an inferiority complex may go along with whatever the other proposes. This acquiescence can result in the sacrifice of their needs, wants, and goals.

A similar pattern can occur in the workplace as the people with the complex may never accept or take credit for their accomplishments and hard work. Over time, their perceived value will diminish to themselves and the organization, so they will be passed over for raises and promotions.

One of the most serious effects of an inferiority complex is an increased risk of suicide. Studies indicate that those with strong feelings of inferiority have higher rates of suicidal ideation, a state where a person believes they would be better off dead.4

Causes of an Inferiority Complex

Because some life experiences and genetic predispositions seem to impact the emergence of an inferiority complex, its potential causes are numerous. At times, risk factors contribute directly to an inferiority complex; but other times, they produce a mental health condition that indirectly sparks an inferiority complex.

Five factors connected to inferiority complexes are:2,4,5

  1. Trauma
  2. Depression and negative self-talk
  3. Genetics, having parents or close family members with related mental health conditions
  4. Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD)
  5. Borderline personality disorder (BPD)

Early views on inferiority centered on the impact of parenting styles and societal values. A child who becomes a target of a parent’s irritability, sadness, or stress can develop fear, doubt, and uncertainty as a result. As the influence continues, the child may tend toward poor self-esteem, trouble building confidence, depression, and in some cases, a full inferiority complex.6

A similar process is possible when a child is raised to attach feelings of shame and guilt to anything related to sex and sexuality. As they age and begin romantic relationships, an inferiority complex develops due to a lack of positive feelings and practical information about sexuality. This complex could build anxiety, depression, and an extreme level of self-consciousness.6

Treatment for Inferiority Complex

The first step towards treating an inferiority complex is to fully understand the contributing factors of the condition. Does the complex stem from past childhood issues or from current mental-health conditions like depression or a personality disorder? Without identifying the cause of the symptoms, appropriate treatment, usually consisting of therapy and medication, cannot begin.

Therapy

Whether the feelings of being inferior are connected to a diagnosable mental health condition or not, therapy is a great first option to help address the concerns. Therapists, including psychologists, social workers, or counselors, can help by completing a thorough evaluation to recognize the complex and chart the best course towards improvement.

A person whose inferiority complex results from an anxiety disorder would do well to target the signs and symptoms of anxiety to decrease the impact of inferiority.

In this case, anxiety treatment could involve various therapy styles, such as:6

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

When inferiority complexes stem from faulty beliefs ingrained from childhood and do not create additional mental-health complications, therapists may also use CBT, ACT, and DBT, but the goals of treatment and path towards improvement will vary. During this time, therapy can help challenge the damaging views and work to replace them with healthy alternatives.

A few tips can point someone towards a helpful therapist who can implement an effective treatment plan. Choosing a therapist does not have to be overwhelming. Online directories like Choosing Therapy offer tremendous variety to make the decision easier.

Medication

Just like with therapy, medication used to treat an inferiority complex must match the root cause and existing symptoms. Since inferiority complexes can stem from many different causes, medication treatment will vary greatly. Someone with anxiety-linked inferiority could benefit from various medications that target anxiety to boost their self-worth. Some medications used for anxiety disorders include antidepressants, anti anxiety medications like benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers.

A person who experiences inferiority independent from another mental health issue may not need any medication at all. Ideally, brief psychotherapy can help them adjust their thoughts and behaviors enough to boost their esteem and worth. If the inferiority complex has another source or is connected to another mental health condition, the treatment plan will change. The common thread is that no medication can directly treat an inferiority complex, so treatment will aim to manage the harm caused by the other condition.

Journaling

Journaling may not be the most exciting or compelling way to address a mental health concern, but it is an effective way to manage symptoms and learn more about the underlying issues. Fortunately, journaling is a tool that makes other treatments, like therapy, more beneficial.

History of Inferiority Complexes

The notion of an inferiority complex was first introduced by psychologist Alred Alder in 1907, so the term has been used in the field for over a century. Adler was an influential figure in psychotherapy, and though he was a contemporary and follower of Sigmund Freud, he eventually broke away from many of the principles and notions attached to the psychoanalytic mindset.7

Adler may not be a commonly known name in the world of psychology, but many of his ideas and concepts live on. Along with the inferiority complex, Adlerian therapy is linked to the enduring ideas of birth order, compensation, and overcompensation, which are still commonly discussed in current psychology.

Final Thoughts on Inferiority Complexes

Even though the symptoms and struggles of an inferiority complex seem unique, many people battle with it daily. Recognizing the symptoms, confiding in trusted supports, and seeking professional treatment as needed can make all the difference between living with uncertainty and hesitation or confidence and self-worth.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for referrals by the companies mentioned below.

BetterHelp (Online Therapy) – Build your self-esteem with the help of a therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Online-Therapy.com (Yoga Classes & Therapy) – Engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself! The Online-Therapy.com standard plan includes a weekly 45 minute video session, unlimited text messaging between sessions, and self-guided activities like journaling. Recently, they added instructional Yoga videos. Get Started

Headspace (Meditation App) – Mindfulness and meditation can change your life. In a few minutes a day with Headspace, you can start developing mindfulness and meditation skills. Free Trial

Choosing Therapy’s Directory – Find an experienced therapist who can help you work towards your ideal self. You can search for a therapist by specialty, availability, insurance, and affordability. Therapist profiles and introductory videos provide insight into the therapist’s personality so you find the right fit. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for referrals by BetterHelp, Online-Therapy.com, and Headspace

For Further Reading

  • Best Books on Confidence
  • The Love Yourself Project
  • National Association for Self-Esteem
  • Self-Esteem Rising

Inferiority Complex Infographics

Inferiority Complex: Definition, Symptoms, & Treatments Inferiority Complex Definition Two Main Presentations of an Inferiority Complex

Signs and Symptoms of an Inferiority Complex Impacts of Inferiority Complex Factors Connected to Inferiority Complex

Treatment Options for Inferiority Complex Therapist for Inferiority Complex

7 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • American Psychological Association. (n.d.). APA Dictionary of Psychology – Inferiority Complex. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/inferiority-complex

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.

  • American Psychological Association. (n.d.). APA Dictionary of Psychology – Superiority Complex. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/inferiority-complex

  • Hirao K. (2014). Comparison of Feelings of Inferiority among University Students with Autotelic, Average, and Nonautotelic Personalities. North American Journal of Medical Sciences. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4193149/.

  • Better Health Channel. (2014, August 21). Self-Esteem. Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/self-esteem.

  • National Institute of Mental Health. (July 2018). Anxiety Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml.

  • Scarf, Maggie. (1921, February 28). The Man Who Gave Us ‘Inferiority Complex,’ ‘Compensation,’ ‘Overcompensation,’ ‘Aggressive Drive’ And ‘Style of Life.” New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/1971/02/28/archives/the-man-who-gave-us-inferiority-complex-compensation.html

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Headshot of Eric Patterson, LPC
Written by:

Eric Patterson

LPC
Headshot of Naveed Saleh, MD, MS
Reviewed by:

Naveed Saleh

MD, MS
  • What Is an Inferiority Complex?Definition
  • Signs of an Inferiority ComplexSigns
  • Symptoms of an Inferiority ComplexSymptoms
  • Effects of Inferiority ComplexesEffects
  • Causes of an Inferiority ComplexCauses
  • Treatment for Inferiority ComplexTreatment
  • History of Inferiority ComplexesHistory
  • Final Thoughts on Inferiority ComplexesConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Inferiority Complex InfographicsInfographics
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