The term superiority complex is closely associated by Dr Alfred Adler, one of the stubborn student of Sigmund Freud who found individual psychology.
The term describes a situation where one believes he/she’s better than other people based on their abilities, accomplishment, physical traits etc.
To adler, superiority complex actually comes about as a way of compensation to overcome underlying feelings of inferiority.
It might be a mean to mask insecurities like Low self-esteem.
Modern studies however suggest that Superiority complex is present in some individuals who believe they’re better than others despite lack of evidence or past accomplishment.
Unlike confidence which comes from Personal ambitions and success through work, superiority complex is driven by a feeling of superiority over others.
Some of the traits demonstrated by people with superiority complex include;
1. Bragging
2. Being arrogant.
3. Demeaning others.
Superiority complex and Reaction formation.
Superiority complex might be a reaction formation for the underlying inferiority complexes ie; it’s an overflated mask to cover insecurities.
Superiority complex and Compensation.
Going by the defense mechanism of compensation, individuals tend to compensate inferiorities in one area by compensating it in another.
Superiority complex is seen as a mean to compensate inferiorities within and without.
To Alfred Adler, The goal of every individual is superiority to compensate for inferiorities encountered in childhood.
Superiority complex and the Principle of Cause and Effect.
The spiritualists have a Principe of causation and it goes like this; That every cause has an effect and every effect a cause.
Here superiority complex is just an effect to mask an underlying cause- the inferiority complex.