Inferiority Complex: Definition, Examples, & Psychology​

By Beth Birenbaum, MPH
Learn how feelings of inferiority can impact our lives—and what we can do about it.​
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Have you ever felt inferior or “less than”? I think almost everyone has felt this way sometimes or in certain situations. But at what point does it become an inferiority complex? 
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In a culture that emphasizes success, achievement, and constant comparison, pervasive feelings of inferiority can silently creep into our psyche, hindering personal growth and well-being. 
In this article, we’ll explore the concept of the inferiority complex. We’ll also take a look at its causes and what we can do to combat it.
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What Is an Inferiority Complex? (A Definition)​

People with an inferiority complex may constantly compare themselves to others and believe they are fundamentally flawed or inferior. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), an inferiority complex is a constant feeling of inadequacy and insecurity due to a person’s belief that they’re physically or psychologically deficient. Simply put, it’s when someone feels inferior in just about every situation for no objective reason. It can show up in a wide range of behaviors from withdrawal and extreme timidity to attempts to overcompensate through excessive competition and aggression (APA, 2018a). ​

Opposite of an Inferiority Complex

The opposite of an inferiority complex is a superiority complex. This is defined as “an exaggerated opinion of one’s abilities and accomplishments” (APA, 2018b). While someone with an inferiority complex feels inadequate compared to everyone else, someone with a superiority complex feels better or more capable than others. ​

Inferiority Complex and Alfred Adler

Alfred Adler, an Austrian psychiatrist and founder of individual psychology, played a significant role in developing the concept of the inferiority complex. Adler believed that people are born with some feelings of inferiority and that the level varies from person to person. In addition, these feelings are a driving force behind human behavior and development (North American Society for Adlerian Psychology [NASAP], 2023).

According to Adler, feelings of inferiority often stem from early childhood experiences, particularly those involving perceived weaknesses, physical disabilities, or social comparisons with siblings or peers. He proposed that people strive for superiority as a way of overcoming their initial feelings of inferiority. This drive for superiority can show up in positive and socially beneficial ways, such as pursuing achievements and success. However, it can also lead to unhealthy or maladaptive behaviors (NASAP, 2023).

Adler believed that overcoming an inferiority complex is possible. He emphasized the importance of social connection and belonging. By feeling connected to others and contributing to society, individuals can find a sense of purpose and meaning that can help them overcome their feelings of inferiority.  

In addition, Adler emphasized the importance of understanding our subjective experiences and unique perspectives to address and overcome feelings of inferiority. He believed that therapy should focus on helping people develop a healthy sense of self-esteem and confidence by encouraging them to explore their personal goals, their strengths, and ways they can contribute positively to society.

Causes of an Inferiority Complex

Several factors can contribute to the development of an inferiority complex. These factors often interact in complex ways, and the specific causes can vary from person to person. Here are some common factors: 
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  • Childhood experiences
    • Parental influence: Negative or overly critical parenting styles can contribute to feelings of inadequacy. Constant criticism or unrealistic expectations can impact a child's self-esteem (Shen et al., 2022; Tümlü,& Şimşek, 2021).
    • ​Sibling dynamics: Comparisons with siblings or feeling overshadowed by them can contribute to a sense of inferiority.​​

  • Social and cultural influences
    • Peer pressure: Constantly comparing oneself to others, especially in terms of achievements, appearance, or social status, can lead to feelings of inferiority.
    • Beauty standards: Societal pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards can lead to feelings of inadequacy in those who don't fit the mold.
    • Social media: The curated and often idealized portrayal of lives on social media can trigger feelings of inadequacy and comparison.
    • Discrimination or prejudice: Experiencing discrimination or prejudice based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or other factors can lead to feelings of inferiority and exclusion.
    • Social exclusion: Being socially rejected by others brings a lack of connection, which leads to insecurity, self-doubt, and psychological inferiority (Shen et al., 2022).
 
  • Traumatic experiences
    • Trauma: Physical or emotional trauma, such as abuse or significant life events, can have a lasting impact on self-perception and contribute to feelings of inferiority (Shen et al., 2022).
    • Bullying: Experiencing teasing, ridicule, or other types of bullying can significantly impact self-esteem and contribute to the development of an inferiority complex.
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  • Personality factors
    • Perfectionism: Setting unrealistically high standards for oneself and feeling unable to meet them can lead to a constant sense of failure (Etherson et al., 2022).
    • Introversion: People who are naturally introverted may feel socially inferior or less capable in certain situations.
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  • Cognitive factors
    • Negative thought patterns: Habitual negative self-talk and distorted thinking patterns can reinforce feelings of inadequacy.
    • Attributional style: Constantly attributing success to external factors and failure to internal factors can contribute to a negative self-image.

Video: Are You Suffering From Inferiority Complex?

Examples of an Inferiority Complex​

At Work

Someone with an inferiority complex tends to consistently undermine their abilities. Despite receiving praise for their work, they attribute all success to luck or something outside of themselves, dismissing their capabilities and hard work. When an opportunity for a promotion arises, they don’t apply, convinced that others are more qualified and that they would inevitably fail in a higher position.

Social Settings

Fearing judgment or comparison to others, someone with an inferiority complex may withdraw from social situations altogether. Or if they do attend social occasions, they might downplay personal achievements and passions, assuming others would find them unimpressive. Another tendency is to avoid initiating conversations altogether and to constantly worry about being judged. Clearly, this doesn’t make for an enjoyable experience, which makes them want to avoid future social events.

Academic Settings

Students with an inferiority complex might be afraid to participate in class discussions or share their ideas for fear of being perceived as unintelligent. They may downplay their achievements and attribute their successes to luck rather than their own abilities.

Inferiority Complex Test

If you’re wondering if you might have an inferiority complex, here are some questions to consider that are adapted from PsychMechanics (Parvez, 2022):
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  • Do you consistently feel less capable than others, even when evidence suggests you're competent?
  • Are you overly critical of yourself and your accomplishments?
  • Do you avoid taking risks or putting yourself out there due to fear of failure or judgment?
  • Do you believe you can’t get good at anything through practice?
  • Do you engage in self-sabotage and other behaviors that hold you back?
  • Do you have difficulty accepting compliments or praise?
  • Do you feel a persistent need to prove yourself or seek validation from others?
  • Do you feel like a failure when someone criticizes you?
  • Do you have social anxiety or withdraw from social situations?
  • Do you set unrealistically high standards and then beat yourself up for not meeting them?

If you answered "yes" to several of these questions, you may be struggling with an inferiority complex.​

Inferiority Complex Symptoms

  • Constant comparisons: Someone with an inferiority complex might constantly compare themselves to others, often focusing on their own perceived flaws or shortcomings. They might feel like everyone else is better than them, and they might struggle to celebrate their own successes.
  • Sensitivity to criticism: People with inferiority complexes are often hypersensitive to criticism, even constructive criticism. They may take criticism personally and feel attacked.
  • Negative self-talk: People with inferiority complexes often engage in negative self-talk. They might tell themselves things like "I'm not good enough," "I'll never be successful," or "I'm a failure." This negative self-talk can be very damaging to their self-esteem and confidence.
  • Social anxiety: Feelings of inferiority are linked to feeling unsafe in social situations (Nagae et al., 2022). Someone with an inferiority complex might be afraid of social situations because they're worried about being judged or ridiculed by others. They might avoid going to parties, meeting new people, or speaking up in class or at work.
  • Perfectionism: People with inferiority complexes may try to compensate for feelings of inadequacy by becoming perfectionists. They might set unrealistic goals for themselves and then feel like a failure if they don't achieve them.
  • Need for validation: People with inferiority complexes often have a strong need for validation from others. They might constantly seek out compliments and approval, and they might feel devastated if they don't receive these things.

Video: Symptoms of Inferiority Complex

How to Overcome an Inferiority Complex

An inferiority complex can feel like a heavy weight, but the good news is that there are many ways to overcome it and build a stronger sense of self-worth. Here are some strategies that can help:
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  • Challenge your thinking
    • Identify the negative thoughts: What are the specific things you tell yourself that contribute to your feelings of inferiority? Once you identify these thoughts, you can start to challenge their validity. Ask yourself if they are based on evidence or just assumptions.
    • Practice cognitive reframing: Try to reframe your negative thoughts into more positive and realistic ones. For example, instead of thinking, "I'm not good enough," you might reframe it and think, "I'm still learning and growing."
    • Avoid comparisons: Comparing yourself to others is a surefire way to feel inferior. Everyone is on their unique journey, so focus on your progress and accomplishments.
 
  • Focus on your strengths and achievements
    • Make a list of your strengths and talents: What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Remind yourself of your positive qualities and accomplishments.
    • Set realistic goals and celebrate your successes: Don't try to do too much too soon. Start with small, achievable goals and celebrate your progress along the way. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.
    • Learn new skills: Stepping outside your comfort zone and learning new things can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
 
  • Practice self-compassion and acceptance​
    • Be kind to yourself: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would show a friend. Everyone makes mistakes, so forgive yourself and move on.
    • Accept your imperfections: Studies show that self-acceptance improves mental health and lessens feelings of inferiority (Nagae et al., 2022). Nobody is perfect. Embrace your uniqueness—it’s part of what makes you human!
    • Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help you to break free from negative thought patterns and accept yourself as you are.

If these strategies don’t work for you, or if your feelings of inferiority are severe and impacting your daily life, you may want to seek help from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide valuable insights and help you develop coping mechanisms.

Inferiority Complex in Relationships​

Here’s how an inferiority complex can show up in relationships:
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  • Self-doubt: Constantly questioning your abilities, attractiveness, or value in the relationship. This self-doubt can lead to a lack of self-confidence and difficulty making decisions.
  • Seeking constant validation: Seeking reassurance and validation from a partner frequently. You may constantly need affirmation that you are loved, valued, or worthy.
  • Overcompensation: Attempting to compensate for feelings of inferiority. You might engage in behaviors aimed at proving your worth such as overworking, trying to be perfect, or going to great lengths to please your partner.
  • Fear of rejection: Being particularly sensitive to perceived rejection. You might interpret neutral or unrelated actions as signs of rejection, leading to anxiety and insecurity in the relationship.
  • Avoidance of conflict: Avoiding expressing your needs or concerns out of fear that doing so will lead to rejection or criticism.
  • Comparisons: Constantly comparing yourself to others, especially to a perceived "better" partner than yourself. This can lead to feelings of jealousy, inadequacy, and resentment.
  • Dependency: Becoming overly dependent on a partner for emotional support and validation. This dependency can strain the relationship and create an unhealthy dynamic. ​

Is an Inferiority Complex a Disorder?

Inferiority complex is not classified as a specific disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is commonly used by mental health professionals for diagnosis. However, the concept of an inferiority complex has been discussed in psychology and is associated with certain patterns of thinking and behavior. In addition, while it's not a formal disorder, feelings of inferiority can be a component of various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or certain personality disorders (Medical News Today, 2022).

Inferiority Complex and Narcissism

When you think of someone who persistently feels inferior, the last thing you might associate them with is narcissism. However, the two can sometimes be linked and can exist in the same person. 

That’s because narcissism can be a defense mechanism against an underlying inferiority complex. People with a deep-seated belief that they are worthless may develop a grandiose sense of self to mask and compensate for their insecurities. This "false self" can be a way of protecting themselves from the pain of feeling inferior.

Inferiority Complex and Aggression

Aggression can be another defense mechanism for someone with an inferiority complex (APA, 2018a). They adopt aggressive behavior in an attempt to establish dominance, gain control, or project strength to mask their feelings of inadequacy. It can be a way to deflect attention away from their perceived weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Or it could be a sign of frustration and resentment that has built up from constantly feeling “less than.” 

There are a few different theories about why this link exists. One theory is that aggressiveness comes as a result of intense frustration and is a way for people with inferiority complexes to feel powerful and in control (Kenchappanavar, 20212). Another theory is that aggression is a way for people with inferiority complexes to get attention, even if it is negative attention.

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Final Thoughts on Inferiority Complex​

An inferiority complex can significantly impact our mental well-being and behavior. It often stems from adverse childhood events resulting in deep-seated feelings of inadequacy. It can lead to self-doubt, social withdrawal, and a lack of confidence. 

Overcoming an inferiority complex requires self-awareness, self-compassion, and, in some cases, professional support. By recognizing and addressing these feelings, we can work toward a more positive self-image and lead a fulfilling life. Start with knowing your worth, celebrating your strengths, and letting go of comparisons. You have the power to rise above feelings of inadequacy and live a life filled with confidence and fulfillment.

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