What concept describes feelings of weakness that may develop during childhood?

The concept that describes feelings of weakness that may develop during childhood is inferiority. According to psychologist Alfred Adler’s theory of individual psychology, feelings of inferiority often emerge in childhood as children compare themselves to their peers and fail to meet personal or societal expectations. This can lead to a sense of inadequacy or inferiority, which can influence a child’s self-esteem and self-worth.

Inferiority feelings can stem from various experiences, such as struggles in academic performance, social interaction, or other developmental milestones. If not effectively managed or countered, these feelings can adversely affect a child's development and lead to the development of psychological issues later in life. Recognizing and addressing these inferiority feelings is crucial; promoting strengths and resilience can help individuals overcome these challenges as they grow.

In contrast, superiority refers to an inflated sense of self-worth or dominance over others, resilience indicates the ability to bounce back from adversity, and confidence relates to a strong belief in one's abilities. None of these concepts directly describe the feeling of weakness that can occur during childhood as does inferiority.