Inferiority Complex Test (20 Items) - PsychMechanics

Humans are social and hierarchical species. They can’t stop comparing themselves with others to know where they lie on the social hierarchy.

When they make an upward social comparison, i.e., when they encounter someone who’s ‘above’ them or better than them in some vital way, they feel inferior.

You’ll always find someone better than you at something, no matter how good you are. So, feelings of inferiority are common. They motivate us to become better.

Inferiority complex

A person has developed an inferiority complex when they experience persistent feelings of inferiority and inadequacy. These feelings impair their lives far from being a motivation for positive change.

People with an inferiority complex are likely to suffer from:

• Low self-esteem
• Social anxiety
• External locus of control (propensity to blame external vs. internal factors)
• Superiority complex (overcompensation for inferiority)

Taking the inferiority complex test

This test consists of 20 items on a 5-point scale ranging from Strongly agree to Strongly disagree. It’s based on the common signs of inferiority. Your results only appear to you, and we don’t store them in our database.

Inferiority complex test

1. I have frequent feelings of insecurity, guilt, shame, and regret. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 2. I make excuses to stay at home and avoid social situations. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 3. I feel like I keep attracting bad luck into my life. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 4. I constantly doubt my abilities. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 5. I try to avoid any activity in which my abilities will be judged against those of others. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 6. I feel like a failure when someone criticizes me. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 7. I'm quick to assume people don't like me or want to hurt me. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 8. I believe I have too many flaws. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 9. I am dissatisfied with myself. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 10. I feel like I don't live up to the expectations that others have of me. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 11. I don't believe you can achieve what you really want. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 12. To feel accomplished, I need constant validation from others. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 13. I tend to put other people before me. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 14. I frequently compare myself to others and get jealous. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 15. I find it difficult to believe the compliments I receive. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 16. I don't believe you can get good at anything with practice. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 17. I feel the need to withdraw in social situations. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 18. I have a tendency to be a perfectionist. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 19. I'm an extremely attention-seeking individual. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None 20. It's hard for me to be assertive. Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree None

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