Causes Of Inferiority

A STUDY OF ENVY AND JEALOUSY AS THE CAUSAL FACTORS OF INFERIORITY & INSECURITY AMONG YOUNG ADULTS AND ITS EFFECT ON THEIR RELATIONSHIPS

INFERIORITY

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. In modern literature, the preferred terminology is "lack of covert self-esteem". (Moritz et al. (2006))

Most people have heard of the inferiority complex. Adler himself was surprised to find this concept singled out for attention from his entire theory. Wherever he went people asked him about inferiority complexes.

People with an inferiority complex are convinced they are worthless or that they will fail. They show their low self-esteem in all possible ways: with facial expression, tone of voice, posture, choice of clothing, and choice of activities. They avoid challenge because they are sure they will fail. To Adler, an inferiority complex was a neurosis or personality disorder that might benefit from therapy.

Adler believed each personality is the result of self-training early in life, when as little children we figure out what "works" in our world, what protects us, what makes us happy, or what pleases the people who matter to us. Then we put those lessons into action. We do whatever we can to make our lives better. Adler wrote that people were continually striving to move from a "net minus" to a "net plus" situation. In the process, we try to eliminate our weaknesses and increase our

The underlying reason is that a young child tries very hard to please parents and avoid feelings of inferiority. Certain patterns of behavior work, others do not. For example, some children always get their way by being nice, and this can solidify into a sociable style of life. Other children learn to manipulate their caregivers by whining and complaining. If parents give in, this strategy works and will be repeated until it constitutes a style of life. The result is a so-called spoiled child. Adler thought this was a common problem and could be carried through to adulthood. The result was an adult who whined and complained and expected others to make things right, while lacking true concern for others.

Nowadays the word lifestyle usually refers to one's surroundings and activities, such as living at Palm Beach, having two cars, or going jogging every day. To Adler, by contrast, the "style of life" was a habitual social orientation, a distinctive approach to situations involving other people. For example, an individual will tend to be consistently helpful, exploitative, dishonest, ingratiating...pick your adjective. The style of life tends to be consistent and reflected throughout the individual's