God Complex:
« Back to Glossary IndexThe God complex is one’s unshakable belief in their own superiority and infallibility, often accompanied by inflated self-importance and disregard for others. Psychoanalyst and Freud protégé Ernest Jones coined the term in 1913 to describe what would parallel the contemporary condition of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Compared to a superiority complex, often seen as a defense mechanism against underlying feelings of inadequacy, the God complex is more of a profound and unwavering belief in one’s own exceptionalism. However, it can also lead to difficulties in relationships, work, and personal life, contributing to isolation and mental health issues. While not a clinical diagnosis, therapy can help those with a God complex develop self-awareness, manage their emotions, and build healthier relationships.
