Definition
Imposter syndrome was first coined in the 1970s as a phenomenon noticed commonly in high achievers who had difficulty accepting their successes. It was noticed that these individuals would often attribute their success to luck rather than their efforts or abilities. In addition, it was a marked fear by these individuals that they would be found out and deemed a fraud. Today, these same elements are still true, although we have much more research and knowledge on the subject.
As you read that definition you may have found yourself connecting with the mentioned attributes but still find yourself believing you’re within a minority of people who experience this. However, so many people experience this phenomenon, and it’s quite a common experience.
Areas of Life Affected by Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome can affect multiple different areas within our lives. Here are some examples of how it could show up in various ways.
- Work: attributing a raise or promotion to luck rather than your own abilities or work ethic.
- Home: parents feeling clueless, incapable, or unprepared for the responsibilities of raising a child.
- School: avoiding speaking up in class to provide an answer or asking questions, out of fear of saying the wrong thing.
- Relationships: feeling unworthy of affection or attention and fearing others will discover that you’re “not actually that great”.
Characteristics of Imposter Syndrome
- Doubting ourself and our abilities
- Attributing success to external factors
- Fear of failure
- Feeling like you’ll be “found out” or deemed a “fraud”
- Discount or minimize praise or accomplishments
- Discrepancy between one’s self-evaluation and external evaluations
- Tendency to recall mistakes over accomplishments
- Hesitancy taking on new challenges
- Making frequent comparisons to others, believing others are more accomplished
Who Does it Affect?
Imposter syndrome can affect anyone! Though, an increased risk is seen in certain populations.
- Graduate students
- People of colour
- Transgender and non-binary folks
- Those with perfectionistic tendencies
- Approximately 30% of medical students and residents identify as imposters, with higher rates among women and international students.
- Minorities: Differing in any way from the majority of your peers — whether by race, gender, sexual orientation, age or other characteristics — can fuel the sense of being a fraud.
- Increased risk for those who also have low self-compassion, self-esteem, sociability and difficulty getting along with others.
Did you know that celebrities such as Michelle Obama, Albert Einstein, and Maya Angelou have all made statements talking about their experiences with imposter syndrome.
“I have spent my years since Princeton, while at law school and in my various professional jobs, not feeling completely a part of the worlds I inhabit. I am always looking over my shoulder wondering if I measure up.” – Sonia Sotomayor
Consequences of Imposter Syndrome
Long-term effects of imposter syndrome can include:
- Increased levels of stress, and decreased job performance and satisfaction over time
- Significant contributor to burnout
- Setbacks within career; not asking for opportunities or promotions
- Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Low self-esteem
Discussing this topic openly and honestly with others can help tremendously. Yet, most people with imposter syndrome don’t talk about it due to the fear of being found out. Talking about it takes courage and vulnerability but hopefully this can help reinforce that you’re not alone! If you have trouble sharing your feelings of imposter syndrome with others, try selecting one close friend or trusted colleague to share your experiences with. Alternatively, see our blog post on coping with imposter syndrome or start by talking about these feelings with your therapist!
