Martyr complex explained

In psychology a person who has a martyr complex, sometimes associated with the term "victim complex", desires the feeling of being a martyr for their own sake and seeks out suffering or persecution because it either feeds a physical need or a desire to avoid responsibility. In some cases, this results from the belief that the martyr has been singled out for persecution because of exceptional ability or integrity.^[1] Other martyr complexes involve willful suffering in the name of love or duty. This has been observed especially in poor families, as well as in codependent or abusive relationships.^{[2] [3]} The desire for martyrdom is sometimes considered a form of masochism.^[4] Allan Berger, however, described it as one of several patterns of "pain/suffering seeking behavior", including asceticism and penance.^[5] Theologian Paul Johnson considers such beliefs a topic of concern for the mental health of clergy.^[6]

See also

• Complex (psychology)
  • Messiah complex
  • Persecution complex
• Galileo gambit
• Savior complex
• Victim mentality

Notes and References

1. 10.1080/01619564509535934 . What Are Modern Martyrs Worth? . Davis, Sheldon E. . Peabody Journal of Education . 23 . 2 . September 1945 . 67–68.
2. Husbands and Wives in a Mexican Village: A Study of Role Conflict . Lewis, Oscar . American Anthropologist . 51 . 4 . October–December 1949 . 602–610 . 10.1525/aa.1949.51.4.02a00050 . free .
3. The Poor Vs. the Non-poor: an Ethnic and Metropolitan-Nonmetropolitan Comparison . Kutner, Nancy G. . The Sociological Quarterly . 16 . 2 . 250–263 . March 1975 . 10.1111/j.1533-8525.1975.tb00943.x.
4. Masochism . Seligman, David B. . Australasian Journal of Philosophy . 48 . 1 . 67–75 . May 1970 . 10.1080/00048407012341471.
5. Choosing to Suffer: Reflections on an Enigma . Berger, Allen S. . Journal of Religion and Health . 42 . 3 . 251–255 . September 2003 . 10.1023/A:1024843702805.
6. Johnson, Paul E. . January 1970 . The emotional health of the clergy . Journal of Religion and Health . 9 . 1 . 50–59 . 10.1007/BF01533165. 24420304 .