SUPERIORITY COMPLEX
WHAT IS SUPERIORITY COMPLEX:
A superiority complex is identified by exaggerated beliefs in one's own abilities and achievements, often hiding underlying insecurities.
This complex often serves as a defence mechanism, allowing individuals to cover up their vulnerabilities by projecting a magnified sense of self-importance and superiority.
Excessive arrogance,constant need for validation and difficulty accepting criticism are the commonly observed symptoms.
WHAT CAUSES SUPERIORITY COMPLEX:
Superiority complex arises from deep-seated insecurities. It is associated with compensatory behaviours, where individuals inflate their self-worth to mask underlying feelings of inadequacy.
Common causes include traumatic & belittling childhood experiences, low self-esteem, or societal pressures. It's noteworthy that toxic traits like superiority are often part of a personality disorder and should be evaluated and diagnosed by a mental health professional.
FACTS ABOUT PEOPLE WITH SUPERIORITY COMPLEX:
- Dominance & Charm: They tend to dominate conversations and situations to assert their perceived superiority. They can be charismatic and persuasive, attracting attention and admiration. This serves as a conscious strategy to cope up with the sense of inadequacy.
- Need for Validation: They seek continual admiration and approval from others, believing they always deserve praise and appreciation.
- Competitiveness: They often engage in excessive competition & perfectionism to mask deep-seated insecurities and prove their worth to those around them. They may also set unrealistically high standards for themselves and others.
- Defensiveness: They frequently respond to criticism with intense defensiveness, perceiving it as a direct threat to their self-image. At the same time, they lack empathy to appreciate the perspectives and feelings of others.
- Leadership Roles: They may appear confident and self-assured, and gravitate toward positions of power or influence to maintain their sense of grandiosity and control.
LINK BETWEEN SUPERIORITY AND INFERIORITY COMPLEX:
Psychologist Alfred Alder, who introduced the concepts of Superiority & Inferiority believed that both the complexes arise from insecurities, based on real or perceived deficiencies within oneself.
Individuals with an inferiority complex may exhibit behaviours like withdrawal or overcompensation through competition and aggression to counteract their feelings of inadequacy.
The research examined how inferiority and superiority complexes are notably linked to Narcissism, both indicating a strong self-focus.
HOW TO DEAL WITH PEOPLE WITH SUPERIORITY COMPLEX:
There is a need for a strategic and empathetic approach while dealing with individuals with a superiority complex. Recognizing that seemingly arrogant behaviour might stem from insecurities, can foster empathy and encourage individuals to address the root cause.
- It's important to maintain clear and respectful communication to set boundaries and manage expectations.
- Acknowledge their achievements when appropriate, but avoid reinforcing their inflated sense of self-worth.
- Provide constructive feedback in a way that is specific and non-confrontational, focusing on behaviour rather than personal attributes.
- Encourage self-reflection by gently prompting them to consider different perspectives or outcomes.
- Establish firm limits to prevent their behaviour from undermining group dynamics or personal well-being.
- Additionally, promote a collaborative environment that values diverse contributions and fosters mutual respect.
A WORD FROM MENTAL NURTURING:
People with a superiority complex, mask insecurities with grandiosity and seek constant validation. Their behaviours, such as dominance and defensiveness, reflect deep-seated self-doubts.
Study demonstrates that nurturing a positive view of our abilities, personality, and future is essential for building a resilient mindset. This positive mindset motivates us to pursue future goals and helps us prepare for challenges ahead. However, an illusion that leads individuals to believe they are superior to the average person in areas like intelligence, cognitive ability, and desirable traits is flawed and unhealthy.
Being a family member and addressing a superiority complex involves balancing assertiveness with empathy, aiming to reduce defensiveness. Understanding these traits helps in managing anxieties, providing support and encouragement to open up about concerns and insecurities. If the behavior significantly impacts relationships or productivity, it can be helpful to involve a counselor for therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been proven effective in changing flawed thinking and fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
RESOURCES:
1- French, M. (2023, August 15). Superiority complex: Everything to know.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/superiority-complex#:~:text=An%20inferiority%20complex%20may%20contribute,mechanism%20not%20to%20appear%20inferior.
2- Gupta, S. (2023, January 18). What is a superiority complex? Verywell Mind.
https://www.verywellmind.com/superiority-complex-causes-characteristics-and-coping-7095818
3- Čekrlija, Đ., Rokvić, N. M., Dinić, B. M., & Schermer, J. A. (2023). Relationship between the inferiority and superiority complex and the Big Five and Dark Triad traits. Personality and Individual Differences, 206, 112123.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2023.112123
4- Yamada M, Uddin LQ, Takahashi H, Kimura Y, Takahata K, Kousa R, Ikoma Y, Eguchi Y, Takano H, Ito H, Higuchi M, Suhara T. Superiority illusion arises from resting-state brain networks modulated by dopamine. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013 Mar 12;110(11):4363-7. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1221681110. Epub 2013 Feb 25. PMID: 23440209; PMCID: PMC3600472.
Written By:
Rumsha Abdul Aziz, MS Psychology
On November 18, 2024
