The effect of social support on feelings of inferiority in students

Faculty of Psychology, University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: istiqomah@umm.ac.id

Abstract

Many students with feelings of inferiority exhibit negative behaviors such as withdrawal and mental health disturbances. Social support significantly influences the reduction of perceived feelings of inferiority. Thus, this study aims to determine the influence of social support dimensions, namely family support, peer support, and support from others, on feelings of inferiority in students. This research uses a quantitative approach with a correlational research design. This study involved 302 active students, with a convenient sampling technique. The instruments used in this study were the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the Inferiority Feeling Scale. The analytical technique used was multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the study showed an R² value of 12.1%, and the p-value indicated that social support has a significant effect on feelings of inferiority among students. The contribution percentage of each dimension was 9.99% from the Family Support dimension, 0.48% from the Friend Support dimension, and 1.61% from the Significant Other Support dimension. The implications of this study contribute to the development of psychological theories related to the dynamics of social support dimensions and their relationship with feelings of inferiority, particularly supporting Adler's theory on the importance of parenting patterns in influencing feelings of inferiority in students.