What is the superiority complex and why does it occur?

Human beings have acomplex and often changing nature, as well asit can be manipulated, we have the habit of letting ourselves be carried away by things or actions that make uschange drastically.

Thesuperioritycomplex is perhaps one of the most remarkable, many have suffered from this higher complex, maybe you even know someone like that, but the question is why?

That question will be answered in this article, where you will learn about the superiority complex in human nature, as well as its reasons why it occurs.

What is the superiority complex?

The superiority complex, coined by physician and psychotherapistAlfred Adler, is referred to as apersonality disorder that tries to hide the feelings orinferiority complex of some.

In a simple way, it is a person with the desire to feel superioror powerful before others in physical, intellectual and even social characters. It is a disorder suffered by people withrepressed feelings, or said by many sages, people with a weak personality and lacking in virtues.

Note: Alfred Adler mentions that “The superiority complex is a useless fiction, since any neurotic has as a guiding fiction the desire for superiority or power, understood as overcompensation of a deep feeling of inferiority.” (1)

Causes of the superiority complex

The causes of a superiority complex are very varied, depending on the individual and their environment. Alfred Adler’s study has served a lot to explain this phenomenon. We list the following causes:

Traumatic experiences

The superiority complex can come from someone who has suffered cruel and traumatic experiences. From the early stage of childhood, such as physical or psychological abuse, loss of relatives or acquaintances and in other cases sexual abuse.

bullying

Many children do not know how to handle bullyingsince it can be more serious than you think. However, itrecords a vengeful message in the person who suffers it, with the future bringing consequences of repeating the same act towards other people, feeling superior and more powerful.

Note: A study mentions that “Just as the functions of the individual must be seen in the personality unit, the total personality must be understood in its social context, thus encompassing places such as a school zone” . (two)

self esteem issues

A person with a superiority complex has deep problems and disorders, he cannot accept or value himself, including his defects or virtues. It is a trait of inferiority, which he can only disguise by pretending to be better or superior than others around him.

Important: Again Alfred Adler mentions that “the greater his feeling of inferiority, the more imperious and strong becomes the need to compensate him with airs of superiority” . (3)

Upbringing and education

The superiority complex is born strictly from upbringing and education , which instead of being correct, leads to a very inappropriate sidetag. Without values, without respect and without a small hint of humility with others. For this reason, education, within the home, is crucial for children and young people.

Note: Adler mentions that “From the biological matrix and the environment in childhood, depends the specific type of superiority (or impulse to “be the best one can”) that he seeks to achieve”. (4)

superiority complex traits

The traits of a person with a superiority complex are not difficult to recognize, but it can be said that they are not pleasant for social life or even for their private life.

contempt for others

People with a superiority complex develop contempt, envy or hatred towards others. Sometimes because they think they are better and see others as simple pawns, other times because they do not want to accept the greater capabilities of others and even for unknown and personal reasons.

Arrogant, arrogant and aggressive attitude

People with this complex tend to be very arrogant, which is the same as leaving humility or respect aside. They are arrogant before others, which is one of the most common traits and in more serious cases, they are extremely aggressive, verbally or physically.

Exaggerated opinion of yourself

People with a superiority complex only hear themselves and think with excellence about themselves,without taking into account or recognizing others around them. Many times personal opinions are usually exaggerated, without fundamental bases and quite self-defensive.

Feeling of being envied

People with a superiority complex believe that they are envied by others, praised by some and criticized by the hatred of other people, this feeds their ego and motivates them to feel more powerful than other people, when in reality, they are rather weak.

Important: It has been mentioned that “People who suffer from a superiority complex feel too often inferior and depressed, especially when they realize that another person has a quality that is superior to theirs.” (5)

Need for admiration and recognition

A superior individualrequires admiration and recognition, out of sheer pride and self-centeredness, to stay well positioned andfeel good about himself. It is an important basis for keeping it superior to others.

Difficulty accepting mistakes

These people rarely decide to accept their mistakes, amend or correct them. Since they do not have self-criticism, they define themselves asExtremely Perfect People , without mistakes or serious defects.

How to overcome the superiority complex?

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to overcome a superiority complex, as well as help prevent such disorders for yourself. These are the following ways:

Problem recognition

The first step in solving a problem, no matter how big, is to admit that you have onetag. We must recognize the personal failures and mistakes that we can make.

Psychological therapy

Note: Adler mentions that “It is a process of re-education, relearning, the patient’s scale of values must be respected.” (6)

Strengthening of self-esteem

One must Learn to love, respect and believe in himselftag. It is a way of life, which assures us of the future, the correct approval of others, but above all, the way in which we are remembered and the way in which others observe us.

Family support

Parental support is crucial, it is almost the only feeling capable of motivating young people and even adults. It represents trust, love, respectand true understanding. It is important to rely on families, to get out of situations such as the superiority complex.

Key Findings

• The Superiority Complex is a disorder where an inferior or proud person considers himself better than others.
• Superiority disorder is also known as inferiority complex.
• Children and young peopleusually suffer from it froman early stage.
• It is considered harmful for social, work and family interaction.
• It can be easily dealt with with fromacceptance of the problem.