Do you always find yourself trying to cope with feelings of inadequacy? According to experts, when you go deeper into the feeling of inadequacy, the feeling called the inferiority complex is reached. Let’s examine together the details of the inferiority complex, which indicates both physical and mental inadequacy.
The “Individual Psychology” theory developed by Alfred Adler, the founder of the Personal Psychology school, and the “8 Stages of Human Development” theory of Erik H. Erikson, known as the psychologist who used the concept of “identity crisis” for the first time Inferiority complex, which has gained the meaning known today by taking place in it, is the most general description of the individual, fed from real or imaginary sources; It is the name given to the feeling that causes him to see himself as physically or mentally inadequate, free and worthless. This feeling, which is always felt and whose effect is increasing day by day, makes the individual believe that he is inferior to other people around him by pushing him to make comparisons.
Feeling of inferiority and Alfred Adler’s theory of individual psychology
Alfred Adler’s theory of Individual Psychology, in which the feeling of inferiority serves as a cornerstone, He claims that he always compares himself with adults in the first stage of his life and that the feeling of inferiority is a natural result of all these comparisons. The effort to transform this feeling, which occurs in the first step, into a feeling of superiority is a normal effort seen in the course of an individual’s life. Accordingly, life is spent turning negative emotion (feeling of inferiority) into positive emotion (sense of superiority).
Inferiority and Plum. H. Erikson’s theory of 8 stages of human development
Erik H. Erikson emphasizes that the source of the feeling of inferiority should be sought between the ages of 5-13. According to Erikson, individuals who have successfully achieved their psychosocial development in the middle of the age of 5-13; As a result of this success, he reaches a sense of competence. Individuals who have not been able to show this development, on the other hand, are equipped with feelings of inferiority and inadequacy, and they prepare the basis of the feeling situation that will always be experienced in the future.
The place of belief in inferiority complex
Although the value of belief is mostly tried to be explained through bilateral ties, especially in daily life, the self-confidence of the individual is also of great value. There is a correct proportion between the individual’s belief in himself and his mental health. The inferiority complex creates a lack of belief in the individual. Since this deficiency is one of the valuable factors that feeds the feeling of inadequacy, a significant decrease is observed in the quality of life of the individual.
Ways to cope with inferiority complex
Experts state that it is possible to cope with inferiority complex with professional help, as well as by ourselves; However, it should not be forgotten that this is also a process. Expecting this process to be linear and rapid may feed the inferiority complex even more and lead to feeling inferior than before.
- Find the roots of your emotional state: “Where is the origin of this complex?” This is probably the only question you need to ask yourself, to pursue from the very beginning. The answer to this question will help you discover the basis of your inferiority complex and help you manage the process in the most real way. Whether it’s an inferiority complex or something else; It is not always easy to get to the root of something by oneself. Convincing yourself to seek professional help can be a critical decision at this point. Do not hesitate to take this decision!
Increase your sense of confidence with the goal person analysis: The person you always compare yourself to and believe to be superior to you can help you identify and work on your shortcomings or inadequacies. The purposeful person analysis will increase your sense of confidence and will empower you in your effort for the inferiority complex.
Think and talk positively about yourself: Negative feelings and opinions brought about by the inferiority complex cause the person to push himself around, so to speak. This causes the person to find fault with himself, no matter what, and to always say terrible words about himself. Thinking and speaking positively about ourselves is another factor that increases the feeling of belief. The increased sense of belief also gives you strength in striving with negative feelings, intentions, pronunciations, and judgments.
- A positive environment brings positive feelings: Probably the last thing you want in this process is to be in the middle of negative people who drag you down even more. It will be much better for you to be with people who think positively, talk and reflect this around and enlighten everyone. These people will support you in starting to feel more appropriate by nurturing your positive sides with their positive behaviors.
- Be yourself and improve yourself: to be inspired by someone, to follow someone else’s example… These are very common harmless behaviors; but if you think you have gone beyond that and are now living the ego of their gluttons, you must stop it immediately. It is inevitable that you will find yourself and accept yourself as you are, when you stop following the footsteps of their gluttons and follow your own trail. Moreover, it will be more logical if we direct your personal development in this direction. While we live like others, we can’t profit from the investment we make in ourselves, can we?