Developing a Conceptual Model of "Undesirable Inferiority Feeling" Based on Islamic Sources

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute

10.22034/ip.2026.495.1341

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop and validate a conceptual model of undesirable inferiority feelings based on Islamic sources. A mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative) was employed. In the qualitative phase, using the semantic domain method and through 13 relevant keywords, 119 religious propositions were collected via purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis following the Chehy and Shannon approach, through three stages of open, axial, and selective coding. In the quantitative phase, the validity of the qualitative findings was assessed through expert evaluation by seven specialists, calculating the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR).
Findings revealed that the concept of inferiority in Islamic sources can be divided into two levels: desirable and undesirable inferiority. Undesirable inferiority was identified as a multidimensional construct comprising three main categories:

Unrealistic Attitude (including: misinterpretation of divine decree, faulty self-comparison, materialistic grandiosity)

Destructive Affect (including: approval-seeking, destructive grief, unregulated hedonism, envy)

Problematic Behavior (including: materialistic demands, disobedience, accepting responsibilities beyond one’s capacity, immoderate behaviors, self-deception, antisocial behaviors)
This study provides a foundation for developing measurement tools and designing intervention protocols for self-esteem based on Islamic principles.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Islam and Psychological Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 August 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 December 2025
  • Revise Date: 26 April 2026
  • Accept Date: 11 July 2026

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