Here are 4 key takeaways from the article on Imposter Syndrome:
- Imposter Syndrome's Universal Nature: It affects individuals across all career stages and expertise levels, leading to lower confidence and emotional distress, particularly among women and underrepresented groups.
- Mental Health Impact: The syndrome has significant links to mental health, affecting psychological well-being and potentially leading to distress, depression, and anxiety.
- Gender Disparities: Women experience higher levels of imposter syndrome, which can negatively impact their productivity and organizational outcomes.
- Effective Strategies for Combat: The article emphasizes practical solutions including:
- Accepting that perfection isn't possible
- Using daily affirmations and mantras
- Fostering environments that promote psychological safety
- Implementing mentorship and support systems
As a professor, consultant, and coach with experience in doctoral programs, dissertation, and entrepreneurship coaching, I've encountered the pervasive shadow of imposter syndrome in the halls of academia and when working with highly educated people building a career based on their subject matter expertise (Gottlieb, 2023).
This psychological phenomenon, characterized by persistent feelings of inadequacy and fear of being exposed as a "fraud" despite proven success, affects many individuals regardless of their achievements (Bravata et al., 2020).
The Pervasive Nature of Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome doesn't discriminate by career stage or expertise. It can affect students, practicing professionals, and even highly accomplished individuals. Research shows that imposter syndrome can lead to lower confidence, intolerance of uncertainty, and emotional distress, particularly among women and underrepresented groups (Bravata et al., 2020; Holden et al., 2021).
Imposter syndrome is prevalent among high-achieving individuals who attribute their success to external factors like luck rather than their abilities (Bravata et al., 2020; Holden et al., 2021; Collier & Blanchard, 2023) .
This syndrome is exacerbated by societal expectations, gender stereotypes, and professional pressures, especially in competitive environments like academia.Costa, 2024
Just as medical students grapple with classroom learning, program duration, and clinical challenges, professionals in other demanding fields often face similar pressures (Stelling et al., 2022). The associated high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression underscore the universal nature of this phenomenon.
Whether you're a researcher, an entrepreneur, or a seasoned professional, the struggle with feeling like an 'imposter' is a shared experience.
The research not only validates these feelings but also highlights the urgent need for strategies to combat imposter syndrome across all high-achieving domains. By understanding and addressing this issue, we can foster more confident, productive, motivated (Vaughn et al., 2020), and fulfilled individuals in academia, industry, and beyond.
The Link Between Imposter Syndrome and Mental Health
Imposter syndrome has been linked to negative feelings of relationship, competence, and comparison bias (Vaughn et al., 2020). The syndrome's impact on mental health and well-being is recognized, with individuals attributing mental health issues like poor psychological well-being, distress, depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation (Beckman, 2022; Bravata et al., 2020; Henning et al., 1998) to the impact of imposter syndrome.
Gender Disparities and Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is linked to gender disparities in publication records, as female researchers in academia experience higher levels of imposter phenomenon (Vaughn et al., 2020). In addition, when women experience strong feelings of imposter syndrome, their productivity and performance negatively impact their organizational outcomes (Guedes, 2023). This underlines the need for targeted interventions and support systems to address the unique challenges faced by women in academia and entrepreneurship.
Strategies for Combating Imposter Syndrome
To effectively address imposter syndrome, leaders across fields must acknowledge and understand the phenomenon, provide support and mentorship, and foster environments that promote psychological safety (Kolontari et al., 2023).
Recognizing that discussion, reflection, and use of core-self-evaluation techniques do have a positive impact on thought patterns and increase the ability to normalize the imposter episodes into a more manageable event can be crucial in overcoming this phenomenon (Chapman, 2014).
Perfection Is NOT Possible
In addition, taking time to accept that perfection is not possible but to do your absolute best can help mitigate the obsessive focus on imposter syndrome. By recognizing the prevalence and impact of imposter syndrome, institutions and individuals can implement strategies to combat self-doubt and inadequacy, fostering a more inclusive and supportive professional environment (Baumann et al., 2020; Bravata et al., 2020).
The Power of Affirmations and Mantras
Affirmations and mantras are powerful tools against imposter syndrome. These positive statements can rewire your thought patterns and build self-confidence. Here are a few examples
- "I am capable, competent, and deserving of my academic and professional success."
- "I trust in my abilities and embrace growth opportunities."
- "I am exactly where I am meant to be in my journey."
- "I celebrate my achievements, big and small."
- "My unique perspectives and contributions matter."
Repeat these affirmations daily, particularly when self-doubt arises. Remember, your hard work, dedication, and passion earned your place in academia, and as a valued expert in your field of study.
Embrace your inner renegade and trust in your ability to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
The Road Ahead
As research continues to highlight the prevalence and impact of imposter syndrome, it's essential to prioritize the development and implementation of targeted interventions and support systems (Bravata, 2019).
By fostering a culture of openness, mentorship, and psychological safety, we can help individuals overcome imposter syndrome and thrive in their academic and professional pursuits (Stelling et al., 2022).
Affirmations to Reduce Imposter Syndrome
By implementing these interventions and encouraging affirmations and mantras, you can start to reduce the negative impact of imposter syndrome on your well-being and success.
Remember, incorporating daily rituals to combat imposter syndrome can significantly improve your mental well-being. A short-term investment can yield significant returns. What do you have to lose? 😁
Your partner in world domination,
Tami Moser, PhD, DBH
References
Baumann, N., Faulk, C., Vanderlan, J. R., & Bhayani, R. K. (2020). Small-group discussion sessions on imposter syndrome. MedEdPORTAL. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11004
Beckman, T.J. (2022). The Imposter Syndrome in Physicians. Mayo Clinic proceedings, 97 11, 1964-1965 .
Bravata, D.M., Madhusudhan, D.K., Boroff, M., & Cokley, K.O. (2020). Commentary: Prevalence, Predictors, and Treatment of Imposter Syndrome: A Systematic Review.
Chapman, A. (2015). Using the assessment process to overcome imposter syndrome in mature students. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 41(2), 112-119. https://doi.org/10.1080/0309877x.2015.1062851
Collier, K. and Blanchard, M. (2023). Toward a holistic understanding of factors that support or inhibit graduate student success. Trends in Higher Education, 2(3), 389-408. https://doi.org/10.3390/higheredu2030023
Costa, K. (2024). Study protocol of “exploring the interplay between family responsibilities, personal vulnerabilities, and motivational theories in the publishing endeavours of women scholars: a qualitative evidence synthesis”.. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202402.0680.v1
Gottlieb, M. (2023). When I say … imposter syndrome. Medical Education, 57, 1008 - 1009.
Guedes, M.J. (2023). Can top managers' impostor feelings affect performance? Journal of Strategy and Management.
Henning, K., Ey, S., & Shaw, D. (1998). Perfectionism, the impostor phenomenon and psychological adjustment in medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy students. Medical Education, 32.
Holden, C., Wright, L., Herring, A., & Sims, P. (2021). Imposter syndrome among first- and continuing-generation college students: the roles of perfectionism and stress. Journal of College Student Retention Research Theory & Practice, 25(4), 726-740. https://doi.org/10.1177/15210251211019379
Kolontari, F., Lawton, M., & Rhodes, S. (2023). Using developmental mentoring and coaching approaches in academic and professional development to address feelings of ‘imposter syndrome’. Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice, 11(1), 34-41. https://doi.org/10.56433/jpaap.v11i1.537
Stelling, B. E. V., Andersen, C. A., Suárez, D., Nordhues, H. C., Hafferty, F. W., Beckman, T. J., … & Sawatsky, A. P. (2022). Fitting in while standing out: professional identity formation, imposter syndrome, and burnout in early-career faculty physicians.
Vaughn, A. R., Taasoobshirazi, G., & Johnson, M. L. (2019). Impostor phenomenon and motivation: women in higher education. Studies in Higher Education, 45(4), 780–795. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2019.1568976
