Martyr complex

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. 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. The desire for martyrdom is sometimes considered a form of masochism. Allan Berger, however, described it as one of several patterns of "pain/suffering seeking behavior", including asceticism and penance. Theologian Paul Johnson considers such beliefs a topic of concern for the mental health of clergy.

See also

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

References

1. Martyr
2. Messiah complex
3. INA Martyrs' Memorial Complex
4. Justin Martyr
5. Rei I
6. Anthroposophy
7. Rudolf Steiner
8. Beant Singh (assassin)
9. Sasha Williams (The Walking Dead)
10. List of The Owl House characters
11. Mass in Time of War (Succession)
12. The Myth of Persecution
13. The Other Side (The Walking Dead)
14. Nervous Gender
15. Joan (Alexander McQueen collection)
16. Satwant Singh
17. Canadian Martyrs
18. Martyrs (2008 film)
19. Index of psychology articles
20. Shame (Uniform album)