Insecurity (Psychology)

A Venn diagram showing the relationship between self-concept, self-efficacy, and self-esteem.

In psychology, insecurity refers to "feelings of uncertainty, inadequacy, and anxiety about oneself. It's characterized by a lack of confidence and can significantly impact an individual's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Insecure individuals often doubt their abilities, worry about their relationships, and fear potential failures."

The root cause of insecurity "often lies in fear: fear of not being good enough, fear of rejection, or fear of losing something. This fear can stem from various factors, including negative past experiences, low self-esteem, or even social anxiety. Ultimately, insecurity is often linked to a lack of self-worth and a belief that one is not inherently valuable or capable.

See also

• Neuroticism
• Inferiority complex
• Self-doubt
• Jonah complex
• Imposter syndrome
• Self-sabotage
• Limiting beliefs
• Fear
• Fear of failure
• Interpersonal skills
• Interpersonal relationships
• Skill

Opposites:

• Emotional stability
• Self-efficacy
• Skill
• Courage
• Growth mindset
• Superiority complex

External links

• Why Am I So Insecure? Causes and Coping Strategies, VeryWellMind.com
• 4 Reasons You May Feel Insecure, and How to Build Your Confidence by India B. Gomez, PhD
• How to overcome insecurity
• The Psychology Behind Insecurity
• The 3 Most Common Causes of Insecurity and How to Beat Them by Melanie Greenberg Ph.D.
• The Psychology of Insecurity: Understanding the Underlying Dynamics by Donna L Roberts, PhD
• 8 Practical Tips to Stop Being Insecure
• Everyone Is Insecure About Something by Ruth Gotian Ed.D., M.S.
• What Is Insecurity? Exploring The Definition, Symptoms, And Treatments
• A psychology expert shares the 7 toxic signs of ‘highly insecure’ people—and how to deal with them
• Battling Inner Demons: Unmasking the Root Causes of Insecurity
• How do you overcome insecurity?, AI

Videos:

• Insecurity - Video playlist, Video playlist