Imposter syndrome is a common phenomenon, where high achievers doubt their abilities despite their successes, feel like they’re faking it, and focus on their weaknesses. 

Psychology and philosophy researchers surveyed about 5,000 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, medical residents, and faculty members in different academic fields to assess the degree of imposter syndrome.  

Results?  When participants believed that their field required high intellectual talent, or brilliance, to succeed, they felt more imposter syndrome. This was stronger for women, minorities, and students compared to faculty members, particularly for female minorities in academia. Those who felt stronger imposter symptoms also felt a lower sense of belonging in their career field and lower self-efficacy. 

 

Imposter syndrome is common across people in all stages of their career, but these results show that these feelings are stronger in women and minorities. This is because negative stereotypes about the abilities of these groups in some fields raises doubts and anxieties for these groups. Academic programs should create space for all to feel safe in the learning process. When feeling like an imposter, focus on all your accomplishments and knowledge. You are more than enough!

Written by Robin N. Fatovic M.S.

Reference: Muradoglu, M., Horne, Z., Hammond, M. D., Leslie, S.-J., & Cimpian, A. (2021). Women—particularly underrepresented minority women—and early-career academics feel like impostors in fields that value brilliance. Journal of Educational Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000669