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.
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
- Withdrawing from social, occupational, and educational situations due to being overly timid and fearful
- 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
- Trauma
- Depression and negative self-talk
- Genetics, having parents or close family members with related mental health conditions
- Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD)
- 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
- Best Books on Confidence
- The Love Yourself Project
- National Association for Self-Esteem
- Self-Esteem Rising
- Online Therapist Directory: Sort therapists by specialty, cost, availability and more. Watch intro videos and see articles written by the therapists you’re considering working with. When you’ve found a good match, book an online therapy appointment with them directly.
Are you ready to connect with a therapist but feel a little overwhelmed by all your options? Speak with one of Choosing Therapy’s Client Navigators. Client Navigators are mental health professionals who will listen to what you’re looking for in a therapist and help pair you with the best possible fit. Getting started is free, easy, and confidential.
