A person who has a martyr complex desires the feeling of being a martyr for its own sake, seeking out suffering or persecution because it feeds a psychological need, specifically, the lack of self-esteem that failed to generate as a child. Typically, these sysmptoms are found in children of broken homes or Adult Children of Alcoholics. In some cases, the martyr complex results from the belief that the martyr has been singled out for persecution due to exceptional ability or integrity (like being a renowned political consultant or the 'editor' of a Review). Martyrdom complex has an adverse effect on those immediately surrounding the patient. It is not uncommon to find those closest to 'him' engaging in uncontrollable 'crying fits' or, in extreme circumstances, engaging in obscene sexual acts in the back of government vehicles.
Dr. Lucy Van Pelt
