Positive Psychology: What is the inferiority complex in psychology?

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

What is the inferiority complex in psychology?

If ever we hear a case of lying, we must look for a severe parents. A lie would have no sense unless the truth were felt as dangerous.

Alfred Adler (1870 - 1937)

What is the inferiority complex in psychology?

An inferiority complex is a lack of self-worth, a doubt and uncertainty, and feelings of not measuring up to standards. It is often subconscious, and is thought to drive afflicted individuals to overcompensate, resulting either in spectacular achievement or extreme asocial behavior.

Inferiority complex - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inferiority_complex

Positive Psychology given credence by Academia:

Positive psychology is the scientific study of the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive.

Commentators on the subject Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, note that:

"The field of positive psychology at the subjective level is about valued subjective experiences: well-being, contentment, and satisfaction (in the past); hope and optimism (for the future); and flow and happiness (in the present).

At the individual level, it is about positive individual traits: the capacity for love and vocation, courage, interpersonal skill, aesthetic sensibility, perseverance, forgiveness, originality, future mindedness, spirituality, high talent, and wisdom.

At the group level, it is about the civic virtues and the institutions that move individuals toward better citizenship: responsibility, nurturance, altruism, civility, moderation,tolerance, and work ethic."