\u201c…a \u2018feeling-toned complex\u2019 \u2026 is the image of a certain psychic situation which is strongly accentuated emotionally and is, moreover, incompatible with the habitual attitude of consciousness. \u2026 it has a relatively high degree of autonomy, so that it is subject to the control of the mind to only a limited extent, and therefore behaves like an animated foreign body in the sphere of consciousness\u2019\u201d ~ Carl Jung, CW 8, para 201<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Sure enough, memories that lay dormant within my subconscious reminded me of feeling inadequate; at school, in my home life and amongst my peers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The struggle to integrate complexes is common. Experiences such as disapproval, rejection, bullying or abuse are all too common in a child\u2019s life. When some part of a child\u2019s personality is unacceptable to their parents or society, it becomes split off. A child\u2019s mind perceives they are inadequate or \u201cbad\u201d in some way.<\/p>\n\n\n This base perception can become a neurosis if a child feels less intelligent, unattractive, ungainly at sports or imperfect in one form or another. Whilst this early programming can be overcome by mastering a certain skill or through achievements in later school years, it can be just as easily dented again if, as an adult, you don’t attain the goals or status that you see yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For some people the uphill struggle from not feeling good enough is insurmountable and they never develop self-esteem. I was in my mid-thirties before my self-confidence blossomed. Yet simply being good at a few things does not totally override an inferiority complex. As with most complexes, there are several layers to peel away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An inferior complex can be overwhelming. It can be debilitating in some areas of your life. A general feeling of not being good enough sows seeds of doubt which fosters a neurosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shyness, timidness, insecurity, indecisiveness, a lack of courage and passive-aggressive behaviours are all symptoms of such a complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Identifying the symptoms of any complex is only a starting point. To upgrade the subconscious programming and heal the wounds, you have to dig down to the causes.<\/p>\n\n\n The attitudes of parents and teachers are the key contributors to a child\u2019s feeling of being inferior. Negative remarks, a lack of encouragement and a focus on mistakes and failings build-up to a negative impression of Self.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being born with a physical defect, belonging to an impoverished family or harbouring the perception that you are ugly is also fuel for an inferiority complex to fester and explode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In today\u2019s societies, especially in developed western countries, ethnic minorities and children from underprivileged families are inexplicably programmed to feel inferior. Stripped of self-esteem they develop an inferiority complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When a child\u2019s confidence is knocked in the early stages of life, self-doubt is exacerbated and can continue throughout life. When left unattended, an inferiority complex can rear up in a number of negative episodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTo be a human being means to possess a feeling of inferiority which constantly presses towards its conquest. The greater the feeling of inferiority that has been experienced, the more powerful is the urge for conquest and the more violent the emotional agitation.\u201d ~ The Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler (1956) ch. 4, sect. 3<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Frequent feelings of failure or shortcomings are classic signs of inferiority complex. Negative thoughts about being constantly criticised is a symptom that is easy to diagnose. I would often play out a scene around the dinner table in which my interests in esoteric symbolism were tarnished by the degree holders of the family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insecurity is another distinct symptom. Some people may also have an abnormal level of competitiveness whilst others will brag about their achievements to make themselves feel better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depression Alliance<\/a><\/span> notes that common symptoms of inferiority complex are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, symptoms surface differently in different people at different times. How the symptoms appear can depend on your general nature, how you are feeling in that particular moment or how strong the archetypal projection on to the Self-ego axis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adler identified four types of people that can be diagnosed with an inferiority complex<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In \u201cruling types\u201d, aggression, violence and the need to have domination over others is a typical reaction. How they make themselves feel is on their own terms. An intense surge of power will prompt them to lash out at people they have physical superiority over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"sad](\"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/sad-child-scaled.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe Austrian psychoanalyst, Alfred Adler<\/span><\/a> believed that some people become mired in their inferiority because human behaviour is primarily goal orientated and motivated by striving for superiority. Adler promulgated the idea that all children develop a sense of inferiority because they are physically and intellectually weaker than adults.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Causes of Inferiority Complex<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nOne of my memories was being given a \u2018black spot\u2019 by a teacher because I couldn\u2019t fathom a maths problem. I was seven-years-old and was made to stand in front of the entire school assembly where my shame took centre stage for all to see.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms of Low Self-Esteem<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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