Inferiority complex
Several theories have been suggested to explain the cause of this phenomenon. One such theory is the so-called theory of cognitive dissonance, which proposes that a person has a motivational drive to reduce conflict between two cognitions: their concept of self and their knowledge about the real world. This theory has been applied to "low self-esteem," suggesting it can be brought about by the experience or realization of failure or by a humiliating or degrading experience, or even by an act of kindness received from someone else.
Even factors as simple as a lack of praise or acknowledgement, bullying as a child can create this feeling. Others have suggested that "inferiority" may be a result of a poor relationship with one's parents. Sigmund Freud established that some degree of this may be innate, but not irreparable because the individual can make conscious efforts to change it.
It is experienced more by people of smaller statures, by those who believe they are not physically attractive and by those who are of less intelligence. The inferiority complex can also be caused by upbringing or experiences in the past. The complex becomes worse when it is not attended to and is left unattended.
Most people are often raised with a sense of inferiority complex, which is then expressed by a superiority complex. They try to hide it by acting bigger than others. A person suffering from an inferiority complex will try to raise his/her status among others by praising himself/herself positively and giving false information to others. The greater the anxiety over feeling less competent, the more likely one will have feelings of superiority; thus, a person may engage in overly self-critical evaluations. It is a misguided attempt at countering their feelings of inferiority by trying to prove themselves equal to or even superior to others. The more one attempts to feel superior, the more inferior one may become as a result of being unable to acknowledge real differences between oneself and other
You might have heard about a phenomenon called the ‘inferiority complex. The concept of inferiority complex or inferiority complex syndrome is nothing new, but it remains relevant even in the modern age. In fact, the concept has been studied for over half a century and many people, who all belong to different walks of life and grew up in varying circumstances, feel inferior because of the way they perceive themselves. The Causes of the Feeling of Inferiority It is nearly impossible to identify all the possible causes of feeling inferior. Some of them may be as simple as low self-esteem and some can be as complicated as deep-rooted psychological issues. There are many reasons why one might feel inferior to others.
Parents have a big part to play in this. While your kids are still at a tender age instil confidence in them. When they are bullied in school or anywhere, provide room for them to speak out. Let them be your best friend.
The question now is how do you get over your inferiority complex?. It is more like how do you stop feeling less than others.
How to overcome inferiority complex and feel empowered.
I asked a friend who once told him he was a victim of bullying how he got over it and his reply was-
“Feeling inferior is a feeling I am familiar with it most likely came from my childhood, when I was young, I lacked confidence, had low self-esteem and was easily intimidated by many things. I was a highly emotional kid with a huge imagination which made me get into a lot of trouble.
I somehow had to get over this phase of my life. Among other things, I found motivation and the will to move on. My motivation was not wearing my inferiority complex on my sleeve, behind every act of perceived weakness was an opportunity for growth and development.
Also meeting some certain people changed my life…
This is a continuation of the article on self-confidence, maybe next week I will continue
Thanks for Reading!🤗💚💪
Materials used
https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/Cognitive-Dissonance-Intro-Sample.pdf
https://www.everydayhealth.com/inferiority-complex/symptoms/
This inferiority complex of a thing is quite alarming I must say, because as a result of how a person was treated,the circumstances surrounding their childhood sometimes and other factors tends to make this person form an opinion oh him/herself that no one can actually change except that same person.
Growing up I watched the way my mother carried herself, she was quite uneducated but she didn't let it bring her down, she taught me to take my grades seriously, she also never let or give the chance for anyone to talk down to her because of her status, she made herself relevant even in places where she was lacking....I don't think I was ever bullied in school. I knew how to stand up for myself and not let anyone talk down on me. Thanks also for sharing this valuable information and awareness about inferiority complex.