The human psyche has mechanisms that help subconsciously protect itself. A defense mechanism is a system in which a person hides thoughts about his own inferiority. Opinions about how people are affected by inferiority and superiority complexes differ, because for some these shortcomings lead to success, and for some they interfere with life.
Psychology about flaws
A. Adler is an Austrian scientist who formed the theory of complexes. In his writings, he argued that they are able to lead a person to success both in relationships with people and in financial well-being. The psychology of A. Adler is based on the assertion that these complexes complement each other, that is, if a person strives for superiority, then it is quite possible that this is due to his inferiority complex. It’s a paradox, but today the world knows a lot of people whose success was precisely the painful awareness of their shortcomings. For example, celebrities like:
- Glucose;
- George Clooney;
- Beyonce;
- Robert Pattinson;
- Lady Gaga;
- Tom Cruise.
Reasons for the appearance of complexes
Adler regarded an inferiority complex and a superiority complex as a lever to success, because at the beginning of his career he began to observe that adults with some kind of disadvantage often try to compensate for it with the help of hard work, exhausting workouts and exercises, which directly leads to the development of skill or strength. A. Adler believes that the cause of this must be sought in childhood. When a child begins to understand that he is not like everyone else, or not good enough for his parents, he begins to look for ways to prove the opposite. He will devote a lot of time to any occupation, saying this: "Look, I have succeeded in this matter, do not look at my shortcomings!" The reasons for this behavior can be very different:
- internal acceptance and exaggeration of one's shortcomings;
- mocking others;
- comparing yourself to others;
- reproaches from loved ones.
But that's not always good. Inferiority and superiority complexes are the causes of neurosis, unhe althy self-esteem, aggression, depression, chronic fatigue, etc., which do not have the best effect on human he alth.
Influence of complexes on personality
A person with an inferiority complex tries to make up for his shortcomings. Adler's superiority complex, on the contrary, was characterized by an unhe althy desireto overtake another in something, that is, if an ordinary person sets himself the goal of completing certain tasks, then an individual with an inferiority complex sets himself the goal of performing tasks twice as well as someone else. The influence of these two complexes on the personality is great:
- people with these complexes become withdrawn;
- they feel uncomfortable in society;
- are afraid to express their opinion or consider it the only true one;
- become possessors of too high opinion of themselves or devalue their own strengths and themselves as a person;
- there is a desire to avoid difficulties;
- excessive workaholism;
- out of a sense of superiority, people can start killing, robbing, raping;
- constant attempts to justify one's inaction by fatigue, lack of resources, etc., lead to a h alt in personal development.
Consequences of complexes
Inferiority complex, superiority complex or lack of confidence can lead to different consequences. It depends on the person himself. Thanks to them, someone becomes successful and famous, while others sink to the bottom of life. But these complexes have one common consequence. A person suffering from one of them will feel uncomfortable, whoever he is. Possible consequences are:
- Family breakdown. Often, couples break up due to a pronounced inferiority complex or superiority of one of the partners.
- Suicide. For some people, the presence of one of the complexes leads to despair, as a result of which they decide to commit suicide.
- Loneliness. Unhe althy self-esteem can cause a negative reaction of society towards a person, which threatens with loneliness.
Is it possible to get rid of complexes
It is impossible to completely eradicate complexes, because the root of all problems lies in deep childhood, and it is quite difficult to completely remove it as an adult. If you still decide to fight with a superiority or inferiority complex, then you should contact a specialist in order to approach this problem more correctly and reasonably. But there are several universal recommendations that will help solve this difficult task.
- You should love yourself. It is not easy and requires a lot of effort, but it is necessary to understand and accept the fact that we are not perfect, and it is quite natural to have flaws.
- You need to believe in yourself. You need to check what you are capable of, test yourself in action.
- Respect for yourself. Start doing what gives you pleasure, do not communicate with those who are unpleasant, start enjoying the moments of life.
- Deal with criticism. Consider all advice that is given as a moment for correction, but not as an insult to yourself.
Advice to parents
The superiority complex, as well as the inferiority complex, can form insecurity, shyness, phobias inchild. It cannot be said with certainty that in the future he will be able to become successful thanks to complexes, so it is not worth contributing to their occurrence. What to do in order not to form inferiority and superiority complexes in a child? To do this, follow these recommendations:
- Don't compare your child to someone else. Keep in mind that your baby will never look like your friend's "perfect" baby. Forever forget about comparing the child with someone, because by doing this you make the child jealous, feel unworthy of your love.
- There is never too much praise. Many mistakenly believe that if you praise your child, he will stop trying. This is absolutely not true. Children are like adults in this regard. Imagine that you are not praised at all, but on the contrary, they make comments and criticize. Agree, you won't like it. Your baby feels the same way. So don't skimp on the praise.
- Do not abuse the custody of the child, but do not be indifferent. These two extremes are equally bad for education. Make the child feel needed, give him freedom, let him feel responsible. This is important because it prevents the formation of complexes and teaches the child independence.
- The child is not to blame for your unhappiness. Do not make the baby a hostage of the situation and the culprit of your troubles. Remember: everything that happens in your life is influenced only by you.
