Relationship Between Somatic Symptoms, Inferiority and Superiority Complex, and the Big Five Personality Traits

Abstract Although previous research has consistently linked personality traits, with the experience of somatic symptoms, the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. In particular, it is not well understood how self-evaluative personality aspects such as inferiority and superiority contribute to the expression of somatic complaints. This study examined the relationships between somatic symptoms, inferiority and superiority complexes, and the Big Five personality traits to clarify whether inferiority and superiority contribute to variance in somatic symptoms. Short Inferiority Complex Scale-10, Superiority Complex Scale-10, Big Five Inventory-10, and The Patient Health Questionnaire–15 were utilized in the study. Somatic symptoms correlated positively with inferiority complex and neuroticism, and negatively with agreeableness and extraversion. Inferiority complex positively correlated with neuroticism and negatively with other personality traits, whereas superiority complex positively correlated with all traits except neuroticism. Multiple regression analyses showed that only inferiority complex and neuroticism were significantly associated with somatic symptoms. The findings support the robust associations among somatic symptoms, neuroticism, and inferiority, suggesting that individuals high in these variables may be particularly prone to somatization. Addressing maladaptive self-perceptions and improving emotional regulation may therefore represent important targets for intervention in individuals with prominent somatic symptoms.