Projected Inferiority
Projected Inferiority is a proposed composite bias in which internal insecurity is redirected outward as criticism, diminishment, or contempt toward another person’s competence.
| Projected Inferiority | |
|---|---|
| Field | Cognitive psychology; social comparison; defensive behavior |
| Author | Andrew Lehti |
| Status | Proposed composite bias |
| Related framework | Cognitive Impasse |
| Related concepts | Imposing Inferiority, Projection and Imposition of Inferiority Bias, Social Comparison, Impostor Feelings |
Projected Inferiority describes the outward expression of internal inadequacy. Instead of improving one’s own standard, the person lowers the target through nitpicking, motive-impugning, contempt, or dismissal.
Within Cognitive Impasse, Projected Inferiority protects self-image. The other person’s competence becomes painful because it reveals a comparison the observer does not want to face.
The bias damages collaboration by turning another person’s success into a perceived threat.
See also
- Imposing Inferiority
- Projection and Imposition of Inferiority Bias
- Cognitive Impasse
- Enforced Sameness
References