Superiority Complex Test: Are You a Narcissist or Just Confident?

Why do some people exaggerate their accomplishments and successes? There are two possible explanations for this behavior.

First, some people may exaggerate their accomplishments, consciously or unconsciously, to hide low self-esteem.

Second, some people may genuinely believe in their own superiority, even without supporting evidence. This can lead to arrogant behavior that others may find difficult to tolerate.

In either case, the following questions may help you recognize this undesirable behavior in yourself or others, as long as you answer honestly.

Please note that the test below is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or a diagnostic tool.

I compare myself to others and put them down to make myself look better.
often
sometimes
never

I privately feel that I am superior to most people around me in many areas.
often
sometimes
never

I feel that some rules and social norms do not apply to me.
often
sometimes
never

I think I am more qualified and capable than my colleagues.
often
sometimes
never

I often cannot see other people’s perspectives, and I do not make much effort to do so.
often
sometimes
never

Whether at school or at work, I am usually the favorite.
often
sometimes
never

I feel like I have to win no matter what.
often
sometimes
never

I find it difficult to apologize when I am wrong or when I have hurt someone.
often
sometimes
never

I think I am more talented than most people I know.
often
sometimes
never

I enjoy bragging about my accomplishments.
often
sometimes
never

I believe that my social status is higher than that of most people I know.
often
sometimes
never

I think I am more successful than most people I know.
often
sometimes
never

I tend to dominate conversations.
often
sometimes
never

I struggle to accept even constructive criticism.
often
sometimes
never

I feel that I should have the final say in most conversations or debates.
often
sometimes
never

I have a high opinion of myself and think I am admirable.
often
sometimes
never

I have difficulty feeling empathy for people around me and often believe their misfortunes are the result of their own mistakes.
often
sometimes
never

I tend to insist that I am right, even when there is evidence to the contrary.
often
sometimes
never

I feel I deserve more praise and recognition than the people around me.
often
sometimes
never

It bothers me when friends, colleagues, or family members try to give me advice.
often
sometimes
never

I downplay the importance of my colleagues’ accomplishments.
often
sometimes
never

I tend to look down on others.
often
sometimes
never

I believe I am more educated than most of my peers.
often
sometimes
never

I easily dismiss other people’s opinions and ideas.
often
sometimes
never

I tend to assume that I am entitled to special treatment because of my background, looks, social status, intelligence, or abilities.
often
sometimes
never

It is difficult for me to admit when I am wrong.
often
sometimes
never

Frankly, I enjoy criticizing others because it makes me feel better about myself.
often
sometimes
never

I think I am ahead of others in many different areas.
often
sometimes
never

GET RESULTS

A superiority complex refers to an inflated sense of superiority or self-importance. Like most personality traits, it can appear in different degrees, from mild to severe.

Now let’s take a look at your score.

28 or under

You have a healthy sense of self-worth and do not feel the need to put others down to feel better about yourself. You are confident in your skills and abilities, but you also appreciate the accomplishments and contributions of others.

You enjoy sharing and discussing ideas with other people and are open to constructive criticism.

29-59

Your score suggests that you may have a slightly inflated sense of self-importance, but you generally do not show arrogant behavior. You may secretly feel that you are better than others in some areas, or even many areas, but you usually keep yourself in check and behave in a likable way.

This tendency may even push you forward in life without damaging your relationships. However, for your own sake, it is important to make sure you do not engage in toxic comparisons or unhealthy competition. A healthy balance of confidence and humility is usually the best approach.

It is also worth mentioning that some genuinely confident and skilled people may score in this range. They may feel more capable or talented than many other people, but the difference is that they have evidence to support it.

60-84

People who score in this range may show arrogant or grandiose behavior. They may push others away by treating them as inferior and may not recognize their own flaws and limitations.

One might think that believing in your own greatness feels good, but this is not always the case. If you use this behavior to hide low self-esteem, you may end up feeling even worse because of the fear of being exposed.

If you behave this way because you are naturally overconfident, you may put yourself in difficult situations by overestimating your abilities. You may also decide that you do not need to work or study as hard as others, which can cause you to miss opportunities because you are unprepared.

In either case, a superiority complex can be damaging to personal and professional relationships.

More about narcissism here.

Main Character Syndrome Test: Are You Self-Absorbed?