The psychologist explained the reasons for the formation of the "god complex"

Theomania — the "god complex" — is not a medical diagnosis, but is a psychological feature associated with a sense of one's own exclusivity. Olesya Tolstukhina, a clinical psychologist at the Doctor Nearby medical technology company, told Izvestia about this on March 23.

According to the expert, the "god complex" manifests itself in a person's self-righteousness, desire for control and dominance, as well as in the devaluation of others. Unlike healthy confidence, which makes mistakes and relies on experience, in this state a person does not recognize boundaries and hardly perceives feedback.

The psychologist noted that with such attitudes, reduced empathy is often observed: the reactions and feelings of other people are ignored or perceived as insignificant. At the same time, external confidence may conceal vulnerable self-esteem, which is why criticism is either painfully perceived or completely rejected.

"Such attitudes can be formed under the influence of several factors at once. Early experience plays a significant role — for example, extremes in parenting, when a child is either overly idealized or, conversely, systematically devalued," the expert added.

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An additional influence, as the expert noted, is provided by an environment in which there are no restrictions and constructive feedback. In conditions of power, success, or lack of criticism, such attitudes are reinforced and consolidated.

"As a result, the "god complex" arises not as a sign of strength, but as a form of psychological adaptation. It is an attempt to compensate for inner instability through the experience of superiority. However, in the long run, such a strategy often leads to a distorted perception of reality and makes it difficult to build stable, equal relationships," the expert said.

Tolstukhina also stressed that if such manifestations are persistent and begin to lead to regular conflicts, deterioration of relationships or problems at work, this is no longer just a character trait, but a fixed behavioral pattern.

"In such cases, it makes sense to consult a specialist: the problem is not to "correct" the personality, but to figure out what internal mechanisms are behind it: most often it is about unstable self-esteem and the action of automatic psychological defenses. Timely referral to a psychologist allows you to adjust these strategies and reduce the risks of social and personal maladaptation," the psychologist concluded.

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Ekaterina Orlova, a doctor and clinical psychologist, reported on March 19 that tactile contact with natural and various textures can help reduce stress and stabilize emotional state. According to the expert, touching grass, sand, pebbles or moss activates skin receptors and triggers self-regulation mechanisms.

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