Superiority Complex
Superiority complex refers to a subconscious neurotic mechanism of compensation developed by the individual as a result of feelings of inferiority.The feelings of inferiority in this specific complex are often brought on by real or perceived social rejection.
The term "superiority complex", in everyday usage, refers to an overly high opinion of oneself; in psychology, it refers to the unrealistic and exaggerated belief that one is better than others. In some people, this develops as a way to compensate for unconscious feelings of low self-esteem or inadequacy.
For example, bullies who push other children around act like they are stronger and smarter than others their age. Sometimes, the reality is that they simply have low self-esteem and bully others in order to compensate for their perceived lack of self worth. The socially awkward teen may convince themselves that the reason they cannot connect with more forward individuals is because they are more intelligent and sophisticated than them. In adults, even business executives may put on a tough facade and try to make others think well of them, but inside they feel inadequate and do not respect themselves.
Therefore, those exhibiting the superiority complex may project their feelings of inferiority onto others whom they perceive as lessers, possibly for the same reasons for which they themselves may have been ostracized.
Behaviors related to this mechanism may include an exaggerated opinion of one’s worth and abilities, unrealistically high expectations in goals and achievements for oneself and others, persistent attempts to correct others (regardless of whether or not they are actually correct), vanity, extravagant dressing (intent on drawing attention), excessive need for competition, pride, over-sentimentality and affected exaltation, snobbishness, a tendency to discredit others' opinions and over-forcefulness aimed at dominating those considered as weaker or less important.
Inferiority Complex
An inferiority complex 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 schizotypal 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.
Causes
1. 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.
2. Physical defects - such as disproportional facial and body features, weight, height, strength, speech defects and defective vision cause inferiority complexes.
3. Mental limitations - brings feelings of inferiority when unfavorable comparisons are made with the superior achievements of others, and when satisfactory performance is expected.
4. Social disadvantages and discriminations - family, race, sex, sexual orientation, economic status, religion, or color.
Manifestation
This feeling may be manifested in withdrawal from social contacts or excessive seeking for attention, criticism of others, overly dutiful obedience, fear and worry.
which of these groups do you belong to? are you normal or does your feeling of superiority prevent you from accepting the reality...take a moment to re-evaluate yourselves...
this is also a note to myself....