“What I am is good enough if I would only be it openly." -Carl Rogers (Psychologist)
Introduction
Self-concept is a dynamic structure that relates to an individual’s idea of their identity. According to Carl Rogers, it constitutes self-image, self-esteem, and ideal self. Self-image is how we view ourselves, our physical characteristics, personality traits, and social selves. Self-esteem measures how we evaluate ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses and how we compare ourselves to others. Inferiority complex arises when people chronically suffer from low self-esteem and self-image.
Every one of us is plagued with thoughts of self-doubt once in a while but people with an inferiority complex, perpetually evaluate themselves as less than others. Their self-concept is so restrictive that it negatively affects all other aspects of their lives. This also entails negative self-talk and being extremely critical of oneself.
Reasons why people develop inferiority complex
Childhood Experiences
A key contributor to people developing inferiority complexes are childhood experiences and the belief system originated from them. Childhood is a very formative stage of life and negative experiences can stay with people well into adulthood. Derogatory remarks from parents or peer bullying can develop into negative self-beliefs and have a detrimental effect on self-esteem.
Economic Status
People with economic disadvantages can often develop an inferiority complex. Lack of opportunities for them relative to others leads to them feeling inferior.
Physical Characteristics
The prevalence of body image issues has increased in the last decade as people are trying to compete with ever-changing beauty standards. Conventional beauty standards are not accommodating of everyone and the people who are left out are more likely to develop an inferiority complex. Individuals with disabilities are also often overlooked and can suffer from a negative self-image.
Representation
The lack of inclusivity in media and pop culture can also make people feel overlooked. There is an evident lack of representation of people with different sexual orientations, gender identities, races, castes, and disabilities. Often making people feel less than others, giving rise to an inferiority complex.
Social conditioning
The social messaging that some people are better than others is quite harmful. Norms exist for people to look a certain way or to act a certain way to be respected or treated fairly. This creates an evident disadvantage and also harms people’s self-esteem.
Signs
Inferiority complex is not a clinically diagnosable disorder but is often considered a symptom of other psychological disorders. Some symptoms that a person is dealing with an inferiority complex are-
Lack of self-confidence
Extremely critical of oneself.
Negative self-talk
Constant Comparison to others
Extreme fear of Judgement
Perpetually being conscious
Negative self-Image
A constant need for validation
Avoid taking risks because of fear of comparison.
Sensitive to Criticism- They take any feedback personally and as an indicator of their capabilities.
Imposter syndrome- Often doubt their skills and abilities and discredit past accomplishments.
Hiding behind Superiority- People with inferiority sometimes mask their feelings of inadequacy by acting extremely overconfident.
Shaming and demeaning others
They have a hard time admitting their mistakes.
They are perfectionists.
People dealing with an inferiority complex can develop other psychological concerns such as social anxiety, general anxiety disorder, depression, etc.
How to overcome inferiority complex
Self-assessment
It is imperative to assess the root causes of your feelings of inadequacy. Try to figure out what is making you feel inferior, is it your physical characteristics, your skills, etc.
Once causes are assessed, try to find where this inferiority stems from. Is it from your childhood or social messaging or some other sources?
Understand the difference between Fact and Opinion. Somebody else’s opinion cannot be the ultimate truth. Once we understand this, it becomes easier to accept our shortcomings without feeling inferior.
You may always be inferior to a few in some way but, it is also essential to consider that you are also superior to people in some other aspect. So stop comparing yourself to others and wanting to be like someone else.
Self-talk
How you talk to yourself also matters. Negative self-talk can often reinforce negative feelings about self. People with inferiority complex deal with self-esteem issues, and attacking yourself when you are already low can be detrimental. It is pivotal to have empathy for yourself and give yourself time to build your self-confidence.
Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy can help deal with self-esteem issues. People learn to re-examine negative belief systems and work on cognitive distortions. Clients are provided with tools to assess the accuracy of their own beliefs.
Takeaway Message
People with an inferiority complex often are stuck in a never-ending loop. Negative beliefs cause distress and this causes their situation to worsen, they may even experience failure in personal or professional lives. Then this failure further reinforces their negative beliefs, causing them to be stuck in a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Even though an inferiority complex is not a clinical disorder, it can affect all aspects of an individual's life. It is normal to experience feelings of insufficiency once in a while and we need to learn to be kinder to ourselves in those moments. Understand that you are unique, with your strengths and shortcomings and there should not be any shame associated with it. Instead of being scared to live, allow yourself the freedom to fail and then to learn from those failures.
References
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