Inferiority complex 788743 222812039 2008-07-01T06:24:30Z 162.83.197.9 /* Causes */ {{Unreferenced|date=November 2006}} An '''inferiority complex''', in the fields of [[psychology]] and [[psychoanalysis]], is a feeling that one is inferior to others in some way. Such feelings can arise from an imagined or actual inferiority in the afflicted person. It is often subconscious, and is thought to drive afflicted individuals to overcompensate, resulting either in spectacular achievement or extreme antisocial behavior, or both. Unlike a normal feeling of inferiority, which can act as an incentive for achievement, an inferiority complex is an advanced state of discouragement, often resulting in a retreat from difficulties. Early work in this field was pioneered by [[Alfred Adler]], who used the example of [[Napoleon complex]]es to illustrate his theory. Some [[sociology|sociologists]] have proposed that an inferiority complex can also exist at a wider level, affecting entire cultures. This theory, which is controversial, is known as [[cultural cringe]]. [[Classical Adlerian psychology]] makes a distinction between primary and secondary inferiority feelings. A primary inferiority feeling is said to be rooted in the young child's original experience of weakness, helplessness and dependency. It can then be intensified by comparisons to older siblings and adults. A secondary inferiority feeling relates to an adult's experience of being unable to reach an unconscious, fictional final goal of subjective security and success to compensate for the inferiority feelings. The perceived distance from that goal would lead to a "minus" feeling that could then prompt the recall of the original inferiority feeling; this composite of inferiority feelings could be experienced as overwhelming. The goal invented to relieve the original, primary feeling of inferiority which actually causes the secondary feeling of inferiority is the "[[Catch-22 (logic)|catch-22]]" of this dilemma. This [[Virtuous circle and vicious circle|vicious circle]] is common in [[Neurosis|neurotic]] lifestyles. == Causes == *Parental attitudes and upbringing - disapproving negative remarks and evaluations of behavior emphasizing mistakes and shortcomings determine the attitude of the child before the age of six.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} *Physical defects - such as disproportional facial features, weight problems, speech defects and defective vision cause inferiority complexes.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} *Mental limitations - brings feelings of inferiority when unfavorable comparisons are made with the superior achievements of others, and when satisfactory performance is expected.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} *Social disadvantages - [[family]], [[Race (classification of human beings)|race]], [[sex]], [[sexual orientation]] or [[Social class|economic status]] ==Manifestation== This feeling may be manifested in withdrawal from social contacts or excessive seeking for attention, criticism of others, overly dutiful obedience, and worry. == See also == *[[Complex (psychology)|Complex]] *[[Narcissism (psychology)|Narcissism]] *[[Superiority complex]] *[[Alexis Rosenbaum]] [[Category:Self]] [[Category:Popular psychology]] [[de:Minderwertigkeitskomplex]] [[et:Alaväärsuskompleks]] [[fr:Sentiment d'infériorité]] [[id:Rendah diri]] [[he:תסביך נחיתות]] [[lt:Nevisavertiškumo kompleksas]] [[nl:Minderwaardigheidscomplex]] [[ja:劣等感]] [[pl:Kompleks niższości]] [[pt:Complexo de inferioridade]] [[ru:Комплекс неполноценности]] [[sk:Komplex menejcennosti]] [[sr:Комплекс мање вредности]] [[fi:Alemmuuskompleksi]] [[sv:Mindervärdeskomplex]] [[tr:Aşağılık kompleksi]] [[ur:احساس کمتری]]