Relationship between the inferiority and superiority complex and the Big Five and Dark Triad traits

Abstract

This research aimed in exploring inferiority and superiority complexes' relationship with dark personality traits. In order to provide a more comprehensive overview personality measures from the Big Five model were included in the study as well. Sample with 1046 respondents completed online versions of the short Inferiority and Superiority Complex scales, Dark Triad Dirty Dozen and BFI-10. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression. It was found that personality measures from the BFI-10 explain more variance in inferiority and superiority complexes than dark personality traits. Both inferiority and superiority complexes were found associated with Narcissism suggesting a person's focus on own self, psychopathy was positively related only with superiority, while Machiavellianism was not related to any complex. In general, the contribution of the dark traits in explaining inferiority and superiority complex is relatively weak. Obtained relations with personality measure from the BFI were expected; neuroticism showed the greatest predictive power for inferiority and, cconscientiousness and extraversion for superiority complex. Obtained results just partly confirmed presumptions on the role of dark traits on the inferiority and superiority complexes. In the following studies longer versions of the personality traits scales should be used in order to provide more robust findings.