In psychology, a savior complex is an attitude and demeanor in which a person believes they are responsible for assisting other people.[1] A person with a savior complex will often experience empathic episodes and commit to impulsive decisions such as volunteering, donating, or advocating for a cause.[2] A person with the complex will usually make an attempt to assist or continue to assist even if they are not helpful or are detrimental to the situation, others, or themselves.[3]
Savior complex is often seen in those who struggle with self-worth and exclusively feel good when helping other people. Some traits of this concept are:[5]
Attraction to vulnerability and codependency: Seeking relationships with those who appear to need some form of assistance or "fixing".
A desire to change people: Wanting to change the actions and beliefs of others thinking that it would be beneficial for them, whether it truly is or not.
Making excessive sacrifices: Often putting others in front of one's own needs, and being left drained. This ultimately leads to the "savior" being far less motivated and helpful than they want to appear.
