It's unclear why anyone develops a superiority complex. Multiple situations or incidents may be the root cause. For example, it may be the result of multiple failures. A person tries to complete a specific goal or achieve a desired outcome, but they don't succeed.

Is a superiority complex a bad thing?

Having a superiority complex doesn't always make someone a bad person. Like Lowery says, it's usually a result of emotional pain. For some, therapy can help them work through their feelings of inferiority so they don't have to act out in ways that hurt themselves and others. It's possible to overcome these feelings.

How do you stop a superiority complex?