So I was researching the so-called "napoleon complex" and, to my surprise, one of the top links on Google was an article that came from an actual accredited counseling center in Kentucky. Their entire hypothesis is that short men are violent, toxic criminals because of sexual insecurities. Zero mention of the fact that short boys are more likely to be bullied, short men are statistically paid less, short men have higher suicide rates, growing up in poverty could be a factor in short stature, etc.

Zero mention of the fact that the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) don't have Napoleon Complex or Small Man Syndrome as actual existing entries. Alfred Adler's Understanding Human Nature (1927) is commonly cited in the literature as the origin of the term "Napoleon Complex", but you'll never find the term actually used. Adler never employed the term and only used Napoleon as an example.

This is why men don't seek therapy. Not because of "toxic masculinity" but because so many mental healthcare professionals go out of their way to pathologize male behaviors.

https://kentuckycounselingcenter.com/napoleon-complex/

A few highlights:

  • The Short Man Syndrome is a popular belief that has driven shorter men to demonstrate that they are as macho as taller men. Since it is physically impossible for them to adjust their height, they turn to behavioral adjustment to act dominant and feel psychologically taller. Just take a look at Kevin Hart and The Rock. Their tandem is hilarious. But obviously, Kevin Hart has Napoleon Complex.

  • When it comes to underlying mechanisms, Napoleon syndrome may also result from intersexual selection forces, which explains why shorter participants use behavioral strategies such as showing commitment and risk-taking to impress women.

  • It is mostly characterized by overly aggressive social behavior. They tend to dominate the social group and gather all attention to them. They will lie about their background, even have their ‘self-reported height’ and their income because they can not handle social defeat.

  • People with Napoleon complex will not stop unless they get what they want. Their overcompensating behavior will push them toward risk-taking to impress females. Some of them will even commit a crime to win something that they desire.

  • Short men who respond to feelings of inferiority are more likely to commit acts violently than men who are contented with their own height. They are consistently bothered by the thought that they have to do more in order to overcome their physical shortcomings.

After writing a whole article talking about short men like they're violent subhumans incapable of higher-thought, they have the nerve to advertise to us:

  • You must believe that physical inadequacies do not define your psychological strength. If you need someone to help you figure out what you have been going through, do not hesitate to call or book an appointment with us at Kentucky Counseling Center.