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All You Need To Know About Superiority Complex
At some point, we all think that we are superior to others. And, you don’t have to worry about this superiority thing because it’s a part of our personalities. The point of worry comes when superior behavior becomes complex and in every field and area, you begin to believe that you’re superior. When you start having exaggerated opinions towards yourself and others. It results in a superiority complex and it does impact your abilities and achievements.
Superiority complex does not end here, there are various reasons behind this, however, a sense of inferiority and reduced self-esteem is the major one. Per Psychologist Alfred Adler defined that complexity is a defense mechanism for inadequate feelings that we are all struggling with.
To put it in a nutshell, people who experience a superiority complex contain a pretentious attitude towards people. However, Alfred suggested that is not the way of covering up feelings of shortcoming or failure. This blog covers everything you need to know about the superiority complex. So, let’s get started.
Symptoms of Superiority Complex:
Signs and symptoms of Superiority Complex:
- Highly elevated self-worth
- Claims and suggestions that are not related to reality
- Tries to gain everyone’s attention
- High opinions for self
- The high self-image of authority or supremacy
- Never listens to others or not a good listener
- Overcompensation towards everything
- Mood swings
- Feeling of inferiority
- Low self-esteem
If you feel you or your loved one is experiencing something similar like this, do not self-evaluate anything. Instead, take the help of a professional to know more about it and help the person with the diagnosis. To connect with a mental health expert from BetterHelp.
Disclaimer: As BetterHelp Affiliate, We may receive compensation from BetterHelp or other sources if you purchase products or services through the links provided on this page.
Moreover, people sometimes may get confused, as these symptoms are quite similar to bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder. Therefore, before evaluating anything on your own, always take the help of a mental health expert. A mental health expert will help you to uncover the reasons behind such issues.
Differences between Superiority Complex and Inferiority Complex:
| Superiority Complex | Inferiority Complex |
|---|---|
| An exaggerated sense of self-worth | Overstated feeling of weakness |
| Hidden feelings of weakness | Hidden aspirations of strength and power |
| Both are related to each other. | Both are related to each other. |
| Hidden feelings of inferiority | Hidden modesty or capability |
| Can be used for creating a meaningful life (if appropriately applied) | Can be used for creating a meaningful life (if appropriately applied) |
| Result of a failure or reaction | Result of a failure or reaction |
| Unmet expectations | Unmet expectations |
In this area, Alfred thought that the superiority complex is related to the way of compensating or overcompensating in areas wherein a person is failing or lacking. He suggested that it can be used for motivating someone or helping someone to cope with failure.
However, do not get confused between confidence and superiority complex. They may look similar but differ in skills, successes, or talents. Overall, the superiority complex is an incorrect bravado or confidence for achievements, successes, and talents.
Causes of Superiority Complex
As of now, the causes of the superiority complex are unclear. There can be multiple reasons behind this behavior. Like multiple failures or unable to reach the success point. Such people try to show that they are handling anxiety and stress perfectly. Meanwhile, inside it is so opposite.
In short, it is a way of escaping feelings of inadequacy by pretending to be superior. But such behavior is evaluated as arrogant or prideful. Such behavior can take place at an early age wherein a child is still learning to cope with changes and challenges.
And, alternatively, he/she tries to suppress their emotions of fear. Later on, it keeps on developing and results in lacking or isolating from others.
Diagnosis of Superiority Complex
As of now, the superiority complex is not a part of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, a mental health provider can still help you or your loved one to overcome this type of complexity. It can be solved through one-on-one sessions. And, sometimes a good conversation with family and friends can help too.
Treatment of Superiority Complex
As of now, it does not have a treatment or an official diagnosis. However, a therapist with the help of psychotherapy can help in learning and removing negative thoughts.
Talk Therapy is the most common treatment for a superiority complex. It helps in crafting positive and healthy responses. This can help in overcoming feelings of inferiority or weakness. In this way, you can help people who are experiencing a superiority complex. That’s all readers!
I hope this blog helps you to understand the superiority complex. Comment down your queries related to the superiority complex. For more such content, follow Calm Sage on all social media platforms.
Thanks for reading!
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