We live in a world full of constant competition, and it is common for us to become stuck in the need to constantly compare ourselves to others and strive to be the best.

While many people are able to recognize their own abilities and not let the accomplishments of others define them, some struggle with constant competition within themselves. What happens if you feel the constant need to assert your superiority? Or if the battle rages between your true identity and how you look compared to others?

If you feel the need to belittle or criticize others in order to feel more confident in yourself, this may be a sign of a superiority complex.

What is a superiority complex?

A superiority complex is a psychological defense mechanism. This term was created by Alfred Adler to describe an exaggerated sense of self-importance and self-worth over others, masking true feelings of vulnerability.

People with a superiority complex believe they are better than others in terms of abilities or intelligence, and despise individuals they consider inferior.

Developing this in some form at some point in life is somewhat inevitable. We all do it from time to time in order to deal with certain situations. But there are people who may suffer chronically and have no idea about it.

Related: How To Avoid Narcissists And Toxic People, According To A Self-Aware Narcissist

What causes a superiority complex?

Ironically, a superiority complex arises from deep-rooted feelings of insecurity. According to experts, superiority complex and inferiority complex are just two different manifestations of the same self-esteem issues.

Another manifestation of self-esteem issues is an inferiority complex, which is an exaggerated feeling of weakness. It often hides real motives, such as aspirations for power.

Some people feel confused because many people with a superiority complex deal with a feeling of inferiority within themselves.

What do you call someone with a superiority complex?
Some of the terms used to describe people who have feelings of superiority are “exaggeration” and “narcissism,” or they can be considered someone with a god complex.

Although there is more to these terms, they convey a similar concept, which is “an attitude of superiority that masks actual feelings of inferiority and failure.”

Is superiority complex a bad thing?

While we all use this coping mechanism from time to time, and confidence and high self-esteem are a healthy part of life, a constant superiority complex can be a bad thing.

Having a superiority complex can also lead to a lack of empathy for others, an inflated ego, and even feelings of loneliness. But that doesn’t make you a bad person.

“A superiority complex in and of itself isn’t a bad thing,” life coach Anne Papaiotti explains. “But when a way of thinking, emotion, and behavior becomes about control, power, and entitlement, it sure can be.” “Endless exaggeration and compensation create irritation, conflict, and distance in relationships, which further isolates the person suffering from the complex.”

Superiority complexes create a variety of behavioral problems and can make it very difficult for people who suffer from them to fully relate to others. Without the right help, you may end up feeling isolated.