15 Signs Someone Has a 'God Complex,' Psychologists Warn ...Saudi Arabia

Movie-goers and Broadway fans who have seen TheWizard of Oz and Wicked know the full story: The Wizard isn't a great, all-powerful being like he claims. To be fair, who is? The not-so-wonderful wizard is a functional character, but you may know people with a similar attitude in real life. People who act as if they're all-knowing may have what's known as a "God complex." But what is that, exactly?Licensed psychologist Dr. Craig Kain, Ph.D., says people with a God complex may be successful and credit their behaviors and beliefs for climbing the career ladder and racking up a mantle full of accolades. Yet, the people who deal with them may not feel the same."If you’re in a relationship with someone who has a God complex, there can be many cons, mostly centered around a lack of freedom to make decisions and restrictions on asserting one’s individuality," Dr. Kain explains.Wondering if you're connected to someone with a God complex? Psychologists share 15 signs of the God complex to help you start to determine whether it's wreaking havoc on your relationship.Related:35 Phrases To Disarm a Narcissist and Why They Do the Trick, According to Therapists

"'God complex' is a label, not a formal psychiatric diagnosis, used to describe someone who sees themself as omniscient—all-knowing—and omnipotent—all-powerful," explains Dr. Kain. "One might think of a God complex as a combination of narcissism and authoritarianism, though it’s important to keep in mind that narcissistic personality disorder is a formal diagnosis."

15 Signs Someone Has a 'God Complex,' Psychologists Say

No amount of data, evidence, text message receipts or peer-reviewed journals can convince someone with a God complex that they're wrong."This rigid thinking stems from an inflated sense of self and makes it nearly impossible for them to take accountability or grow from mistakes," says Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind.Related: 8 Things a Narcissist Absolutely Hates, According to a Psychologist

2. Not open to questions

People with a God complex don't usually take questions."Someone with a God complex is not open to being questioned because they view that they know what is needed," notes Dr. Brandy Smith, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist with Thriveworks.

Constructive criticism is hard to take, but it can be productive. However, Dr. Hafeez says people with a God complex will respond—even to well-meaning, well-put and fair criticism—with anger, sarcasm or complete denial."Even well-meaning feedback is seen as a threat, not an opportunity, because their ego hinges on being untouchable," she warns.

4. Issues with authority

Authority figures and rules don't vibe with someone who believes they are the authority."People with a God complex believe they are above established law," Dr. Kain says. "Instead, they see themselves as the final arbiter of what should or should not be allowed."

Dr. Hafeez chalks this sign of the God complex up to a person's view that "their way is the only way.""They often try to dominate conversations, situations and even people, which can strain both personal and professional relationships," she reveals.

6. Refuse therapy

Therapists can help us cope and change behaviors. However, Dr. Kain has yet to welcome someone with a God complex to his office as a client, asking rhetorically, "Who needs therapy when you're perfect?"

If you do get a word in edgewise or confront someone with the God complex, you may find yourself hand-waved away. "Empathy is often lacking, and they tend to see others as inferior or irrelevant," Dr. Hafeez says. "This emotional detachment can lead to toxic dynamics in friendships or work environments."Related:15 Phrases To Disagree Respectfully, According to Psychologists

8. Poor teamwork

Valuing other people's opinions is one sign of a good teammate, so it's likely unsurprising that someone with a God complex struggles to collaborate."Being a team player is merely impossible because this person is not interested in exchanging ideas or working together to problem-solve," reports Dr. Michele Leno, Ph.D., LP, a licensed psychologist with DML Psychological Services, PLLC.Related: 13 Lies People Tell Themselves That Do More Harm Than Good, Psychologists Warn

An altar is not a two-way street."While they crave validation, they often withhold praise from others, viewing acknowledgment as something that only flows one way—toward them," Dr. Hafeez says.

10. Taking credit for others' achievements

You put in a ton of work on an assignment, but your boss credits your colleague with a God complex for a job well done. That colleague is unlikely to correct your boss if they have a God complex. What's more, people with this issue may even seemingly out of the blue claim credit for something they didn't do. Dr. Hafeez notes these behaviors are par for the course when someone has a God complex.Related: 13 Red Flags of Gaslighting at Work and How to Respond, According to Psychologists

Dr. Kain says that, in addition to admiration, people with a God complex are driven by a need for loyalty. He warns that people who fail to comply will "be banished from the kingdom or face some form of punishment or character assassination."

12. Difficulty maintaining close relationships

Some people may enjoy banishment and exile from someone with a God complex. After all, as Dr. Leno points out, healthy relationships contain mutual respect."Being involved with a person with a God complex may lead someone to feel unheard and unseen," she says.They may see themselves out as a result.

Dr. Smith notes that someone with a God complex might think (or say out loud), "You can’t understand. You’re a mere mortal, and I know. You just have to trust me.""Someone with a God complex views themselves as an absolute leader and all others in need of being led by them," she continues. "Others are meant to be followers of someone with a God complex."

14. Belief that they're all-powerful

This one is a pillar of the God complex."They believe there is nothing they cannot accomplish regardless of the practicality of their ideas," Dr. Kain says.When questioned, they'll lean into other familiar behaviors that psychologists brought up, like that we should listen and follow them, not object and understand that they are always right and, therefore, never wrong.

15. Belief that they are visionaries and saviors

Everyone "should" feel blessed to know someone with a God complex—at least in that person's head."This [God complex sign] is likely to take the form of someone who believes God sent them to do his work and empowered them to act on His behalf," Dr. Kain says. "So, while a person with a God complex may outwardly state they are not God and that they are obedient to God, they will also state God ordained them to speak for Him and that we are obliged to follow their lead with unwavering faith and devotion."Related: 10 Red Flags There's a Narcissist in Your Family, According to Therapists

Having a God complex isn't always bad, but it usually is. Dr. Hafeez says the pros of a God complex include the ability to take control in a crisis, persistence and a vision-driven mindset. However, the cons outweigh them. She warns that a God complex can involve:

Damaged relationshipsPoor self-awarenessIneffective leadershipEmotional volatilityLack of adaptabilityMental health struggles

Related: 7 Things To Do When You Apologize, Because There’s More to It Than Saying ‘I’m Sorry'

What's the Difference Between a 'God Complex' vs. a Superiority Complex?

Dr. Kain says the two may look similar from the outside but are distinct. "Psychologically speaking, a person with a superiority complex is compensating for a lack of self-worth and self-esteem," he explains. "They want to convince us they are superior because they themself are unsure. People with a God complex do not have this insecurity. At their core, they truly believe they are inherently superior."You'll notice the nuances in relationships.

"The person with a God complex believes that due to their divine qualities, we must be dependent on them," Dr. Kain shares. "They are often not afraid to remind us of this dependency, telling us, 'Only I can save you,' 'Only  I can keep you safe,' 'Only I know the answers,' and 'You must count on me.'"

However, he says someone with a superiority complex doesn't ask us to depend on them.

"In reality—even though they would never admit it’s the case—they are dependent on us to validate their sense of superiority," he adds. "You can’t feel superior unless there is another person to feel superior to."

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