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What is Imposter Syndrome?
Impostor syndrome is the feeling of doubting one’s competence and capabilities in a field of work or study. Many times, those who experience impostor syndrome fear that others will discover they are not good enough or think they are undeserving of the recognition they have received.
Characteristics of Imposter Syndrome
Fearing you will be discovered as a “fraud” or “imposter”
Feeling undeserving of successes, compliments, and praise
Attributing successes to external factors
Believing you are incompetent and inadequate compared to others
Exaggerating flaws and failings
Causes of Imposter Syndrome
Familial expectations
Cultural expectations -- different cultures define success differently. Not meeting our culture's definition of success may lead to feeling like a fraud
Perfectionist tendencies
Tendency to compare self to others
Societal factors (racism, sexism, low socioeconomic status, being a first-generation student, etc.)
Ways to Cope with Imposter Syndrome
Remind yourself of your well-earned accomplishments
Set realistic, achievable goals
Reframe your “failures” in a more positive and practical light
Understand that you’re only human, mistakes are necessary for growth
Determine your support system and lean on them when needed
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Citations and Additional Resources
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Speaking of Psychology: How to overcome feeling like an impostor, with Lisa Orbé-Austin, PhD, and Kevin Cokley, PhD. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/impostor-syndrome.
Cuncic, A. (2024, September 23). Is Impostor Syndrome Holding You Back From Living Your Best Life?. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/imposter-syndrome-and-social-anxiety-disorder-4156469
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