Introduction
We are often told that pride is a virtue, that taking pride in our work or our character is the hallmark of a healthy, functioning adult. But what if “pride” is actually the root of our most profound emotional distress? Dr. Albert Ellis, the innovative creator of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), suggested that what we call “self-esteem” is often just a manifestation of what he termed a “Jehovah complex.”
The Grandiose Leap
The Jehovah complex rears its grandiose head when an individual makes a “magical leap” in their thinking. A person might realistically observe that they have performed a task well or that they possess a desirable character trait. This is an accurate, empirical assessment. However, the complex takes over when the individual follows this observation with an arrogant, non-sequitur conclusion: “Because I performed well, I am a superior human being.”
The individual ceases to see a distinction between their behavior and their essence. To them, they are the same. If their performance is good, they become “good.” Since their achievement was superior, they consider themselves godlike, far above the “lowly” others they defeated.
[CLINICAL INSIGHT]
- Key Point #3: The concept of self-esteem leads, inevitably and intermittently, to self-damnation.
The Inseparable Twins
This philosophy is a dangerous “package deal.” If you view yourself as exalted and lordly for your successes, you will automatically view yourself as paltry and worthless when you fail. Self-esteem and self-hatred are not opposites; they are twin incarnations of the same underlying philosophy, the belief that one’s worth must be appraised in relation to achievements. You cannot lust after self-worship without very soon suffering the agonies of self-damnation.
The individual who relies on self-esteem is trapped on an emotional roller coaster. They may soar quickly to great heights, but they will inevitably sink rapidly into the depths of despair. Both the euphoria and the dejection stem from the same source: the rigid, contingent philosophy of self-rating.
Next Steps
Understanding that your “self-worth” is an egocentric vapor is the first step toward true psychological freedom.
- Continue your journey toward emotional stability: In our next article, we explore why this obsession with self-esteem actually prevents you from taking risks and trying new things.
- For a comprehensive academic overview: Visit the full archives of Dr. Mike Abrams’ research on REBT for Sexual Problems at psychology.ws