What Are The Different Complexes? - MedicineNet

What are different types of complexes?

Some of the commonly seen complexes are shown below.

Complex of Oedipus/Electra (parental complex)

Oedipus complex gets its name from the Greek myth in which Oedipus killed his father and married his mother. This complex refers to the erotic feelings of the son toward the mother, along with hostility and rivalry toward the father, during the phallic stage of development (begins when the child is around three years old). The corresponding relationship when a daughter has erotic feelings toward the father and hostility toward the mother is called the female Oedipus complex or the complex of Electra.

Persecution complex

It is one of the most common complexes in modern times. In today's fast and ambitious lifestyle, every person is in a hurry to achieve as much as they can and as fast as possible. The persecution complex makes a person believe that everyone is trying to harm them. The belief of being harmed is irrational and exaggerated, and makes the person look at everyone with extreme suspicion.

Inferiority complex

Another common complex, it makes the person believe that they are unworthy or less capable than others. They may overcompensate because of this complex and achieve great things, yet they never believe that they have achieved enough success. An inferiority complex may make the person resentful and dissatisfied, making them avoid social interactions.

Superiority complex

This is the exact opposite of the inferiority complex. A person with a superiority complex believes that they are exceptionally better than others. They have a sense of exaggerated self-esteem and believe that whatever they do, say, or believe is right. They feel that they have all the virtues and look down on others as inferior to them.

Madonna-whore complex

It is typically seen in men who are not able to maintain a committed sexual relationship with their partner. They suffer from the "Madonna-whore dichotomy" (MWD). This means polarized perceptions of women in general. People with this complex either consider their partner as a "pure," "good" and chaste Madonna or the extreme opposite, a "bad," "promiscuous" and "seductive whore." The moment they begin to admire a woman sexually, they think of her in a disgusting way.

God complex

People with a God complex think that they have divine, God-like powers and are above all mankind. They believe that they are capable enough to take extreme risks and shun the rules of society.

Guilt complex

This makes the person blame themselves for everything that goes wrong. They are excessively self-critical and think that they are accountable for every bad happening. They are overly sensitive to others' opinions and put all their efforts into trying to make things better.

Martyr complex

A person with a martyr complex strives to get attention and sympathy through suffering. They put everyone above themselves to the extent that they ignore their needs and desires. They may even do self-harm if they do not get the attention they want.