{"id":126358,"date":"2022-09-20T11:00:38","date_gmt":"2022-09-20T10:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/?p=126358"},"modified":"2023-03-22T13:23:01","modified_gmt":"2023-03-22T13:23:01","slug":"inferiority-complex","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/inferiority-complex.htm","title":{"rendered":"Inferiority Complex \u2013 Is this Why You Feel So Inadequate?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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photo by Moose Photos on Pexels<\/p><\/div>\n

by Claudia Cole<\/span><\/p>\n

Does the constant sense of not feeling good enough<\/a> leave your self-esteem running low<\/a>? Is it consuming enough that you start to feel inadequate when around others? It could be a sign of an inferiority complex.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is an inferiority complex? <\/span><\/h2>\n

The term was coined in 1907 by psychologist Alfred Alder,<\/strong> in his theory of individual psychology. It’s officially defined as “a basic feeling of inadequacy and insecurity, deriving from actual or imagined physical or psychological deficiency.” <\/span><\/p>\n

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In other words, an inferiority complex is the persistent and intense sense of feeling less than, often resulting in the belief that one is inferior to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

According to Adler’s theory, we have all felt a sense of inferiority at some point.<\/strong> Which can be beneficial, as it can motivate you to seek self-improvement and help you to accomplish your goals<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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While it’s not uncommon to experience these feelings of ‘less than’ from time to time, those with an inferiority complex aren’t just having a momentary lapse of confidence<\/a>. They struggle with chronically low self-esteem to the extent it is overwhelming.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The Two types of Inferiority Complexes <\/span><\/h2>\n

Adler also claimed that there were two types of inferiority complexes<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Primary inferiority<\/strong> complex<\/strong> starts during childhood and is due to feeling helpless<\/a> or being compared to others, such as siblings<\/a>. Sometimes, the effects of this can be carried into adulthood.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Secondary inferiority complex<\/strong>, on the other hand, occurs when you’re unable to meet your personal goals<\/a> as an adult. The feeling can build over a period of time, or can be triggered by something that’s happened, such as scoring low on an exam or missing out on a promotion at work<\/a>. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Inferiority complex vs. superiority complex<\/span><\/h2>\n
    \"inferiority

    photo by Maksim Goncharenok for Pexels<\/p><\/div>\n

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    It is easy to assume that an inferiority complex is the exact opposite of superiority complex, but both can stem from the same origin and overlap. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    A superiority complex<\/a> refers to<\/strong> an exaggerated opinion of one’s abilities, and an inflated self-importance<\/strong>. Individuals with this complex often have a false sense of confidence, believing they are better than others, despite the lack of evidence to support their beliefs. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Adler argues that these feelings of superiority can <\/strong>also\u00a0 be a coping mechanism<\/a> for those that feel inferior. As a way of hiding deep insecurities, a person may exaggerate their sense of worth<\/a> to feel better.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How can I tell if I have an inferiority complex?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    An inferiority complex can present itself in polarising ways. Sometimes you might <\/strong>withdraw from people you perceive to be more accomplished. Other times you can find yourself behaving competitively to overcompensate for certain insecurities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The common signs you may experience in your personal and professional life include:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n