Superiority Complex

Psychologist Alfred Adler (1870-1937), a founder of modern psychology, recognized that just like with people with an Inferiority Complex, equally unbalanced Superiority Complexes are demonstrated by a constant need to strive toward goals. When each goal is attained, the individual is left feeling unfulfilled, and confidence is not built. This pushes him to continually seek further external recognition and more achievements.

Masking Low Self-Esteem

In Adler’s theories of individual personalities he believed Inferiority Complex and Superiority Complex are linked together. An individual with a Superiority Complex may be overcompensating and actually concealing deep seated childhood feelings of inferiority and low self-esteem. While individuals with a Superiority Complex who feel others are less worthy or capable may attempt to hide their feelings, pretending to be modest and less capable. Adler first coined the terms Superiority Complex and Inferiority Complex during the 1920s.

What shapes our self-esteem is that we feel better when we’re more successful than others and worse when we think we’re less successful than others.

People with a Superiority Complex display an overly optimistic view of themselves. A false confidence with little success or achievement, while a self-confident person demonstrates actual skill and genuine talent with a history of success and achievement.


This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you toward improving your life.

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