The Imposter Experience: Examining the Psychological Foundations and Impacts of Imposter Syndrome

Yıl 2024, Cilt: 6 Sayı: 2, 148 - 159, 31.12.2024

Osman Uslu

https://doi.org/10.47542/sauied.1577213

Öz

Imposter syndrome presents significant challenges for individuals, particularly high achievers, leading to feelings of inadequacy and adverse effects on personal and organizational well-being. Understanding the nuances of this syndrome is essential for addressing the pervasive feelings of self-doubt that can hinder performance and overall satisfaction. This study explores the psychological foundations, impacts, and coping strategies associated with imposter syndrome, thereby enhancing our comprehension of the phenomenon. It identifies negative characteristics linked to the syndrome, such as elevated anxiety levels and diminished self-efficacy, and underscores its detrimental effects on individual well-being and organizational dynamics, including burnout and decreased job satisfaction. Effective coping strategies, such as reframing negative thoughts and fostering social support, are discussed as means to mitigate these impacts. The study advocates for targeted interventions within organizations to raise awareness and promote equitable practices, ultimately contributing to a healthier work environment.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Imposter Syndrome, Self-doubt, Coping Strategies

İmposter Deneyimi: İmposter Sendromunun Psikolojik Temelleri ve Etkilerinin İncelenmesi

Öz

İmposter sendromu, özellikle yüksek başarıya sahip bireyler için önemli zorluklar yaratmakta ve yetersizlik duyguları ile kişisel ve örgütsel refah üzerinde olumsuz etkiler doğurmaktadır. Bu sendromun inceliklerini anlamak, öz şüphe duygularının üstesinden gelmede kritik öneme sahiptir. Bu çalışma, imposter sendromunun psikolojik temellerini, etkilerini ve başa çıkma stratejilerini araştırarak, bu olgunun daha iyi anlaşılmasına katkıda bulunmaktadır. Sendromla bağlantılı olumsuz özellikler arasında yüksek anksiyete seviyeleri ve azalmış öz-yeterlilik yer almakta; bu da bireylerin refahı ve örgütsel dinamikler üzerinde tükenmişlik ve azalan iş tatmini gibi zarar verici etkiler yaratmaktadır. Negatif düşünceleri yeniden çerçeveleme ve sosyal destek sağlama gibi etkili başa çıkma stratejileri, bu olumsuz etkilerin hafifletilmesi için önerilmektedir. Çalışma, örgütler içinde farkındalığı artırmaya ve adil uygulamaları teşvik etmeye yönelik müdahalelerin önemini vurgulayarak, daha sağlıklı bir çalışma ortamına katkıda bulunmayı önermektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

İmposter Sendromu, Öz-Şüphe, Başa Çıkma Stratejileri

Kaynakça

• Abdelaal, G. (2020). Coping with imposter syndrome in academia and research. The Biochemist, 42(3), 62-64. https://doi.org/10.1042/BIO20200033.
• Ardic, K., & Özsoy, E. (2016). Examining the relationship between the dark triad traits and big five personality dimensions. In Proceedings of the Fifth European Academic Research Conference on Global Business, Economics, Finance and Banking. Retrieved from http://globalbizresearch. org/Turky_Conference_2016_Dec/docs/doc/1.% 20Global% 20Business,% 20Economics% 20&% 20Sustainability/1614. pdf.
• Barari, N., Singh, T., Thakur, N., & Nayak, S. (2024). Imposter syndrome: A threat to mental health. Educational Administration: Theory and Practice, 30(6), 925-932. https://doi.org/10.53555/kuey.v30i6.5400.
• Baumann, N., Faulk, C., Vanderlan, J., Chen, J., & Bhayani, R. K. (2020). Small-group discussion sessions on imposter syndrome. MedEdPORTAL, 16, 11004. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11004.
• Bennett, S. H. (2024). Outsiders, impostors, and Equals: A quantitative study of workplace ostracism, impostor phenomenon, and perceptions of fair treatment (Doctoral dissertation, Creighton University).
• Bensley, D. A., Watkins, C., Lilienfeld, S. O., Masciocchi, C., Murtagh, M. P., & Rowan, K. (2022). Skepticism, cynicism, and cognitive style predictors of the generality of unsubstantiated belief. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 36(1), 83-99. https://doi.org/10.1002/acp.3900.
• Breeze, M. (2018). Imposter syndrome as a public feeling. Feeling academic in the neoliberal university: Feminist Flights, Fights and Failures, 191-219. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-64224-6_9.
• Brewer, M. B., & Weber, J. G. (1994). Self-evaluation effects of interpersonal versus intergroup social comparison. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 66(2), 268. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/0022-3514.66.2.268.
• Chauvet-Gélinier, J. C., Trojak, B., Lemogne, C., Aho-Glélé, L. S., Brindisi, M. C., Bouillet, B., ... & Vergès, B. (2016). Potential influence of type A personality on plasma C-reactive protein levels in people with diabetes. Diabetes & Metabolism, 42(2), 88-95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabet.2015.08.001.
• Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/h0086006.
• Deshmukh, S., Shmelev, K., Vassiliades, L., Kurumety, S., Agarwal, G., & Horowitz, J. M. (2022). Imposter phenomenon in radiology: Incidence, intervention, and impact on wellness. Clinical Imaging, 82, 94-99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinimag.2021.11.009.
• Dimitrovska, J. (2024). Self-esteem as a mediator between perfectionism and impostor syndrome among gifted students. International Journal of Research, 13(13), 157-168. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2024.24112.
• Fakhri, A., Baboli, M., Jahanbani, E., Moradi-Joo, E., Karamianpoor, J., Binandeh, M., ... & Gorjizade, B. (2020). The relationship between perfectionism, personality type A and meta-cognition with Job burnout in staff of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences‎. Entomology and Applied Science Letters, 7(2-2020), 26-34.
• Ferrari, J. R., & Thompson, T. (2006). Impostor fears: Links with self-presentational concerns and self-handicapping behaviours. Personality and Individual Differences, 40(2), 341-352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2005.07.012.
• Festinger, L. (1957). Social comparison theory. Selective Exposure Theory, 16(401), 3.
• Gresham-Dolby, C. (2022). Imposter syndrome: An opportunity to positively influence mentees. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 14(2), 130-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2021.11.019.
• Grubb, W. L., & McDowell, W. C. (2012). The imposter phenomenon’s impact on citizenship behavior and employee commitment: Flying under the radar. Journal of Business Issues, 1(1), 1-10.
• Haar, J., & de Jong, K. (2024). Imposter phenomenon and employee mental health: What role do organizations play? Personnel Review, 53(1), 211-227. https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-01-2022-0030.
• Hampton, B. A., & Feller, M. D. (2019). Impostor syndrome and medicine: Talented people believing 'I am a fraud'. Rhode Island Medical Journal, 102(3), 7-8.
• Hill, A. P., Mallinson-Howard, S. H., & Jowett, G. E. (2018). Multidimensional perfectionism in sport: A meta-analytical review. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 7(3), 235–270. https://doi.org/10.1037/spy0000125.
• Holden, C. L., Wright, L. E., Herring, A. M., & Sims, P. L. (2024). 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.
• Hutchins, H. M., & Flores, J. (2021). Don't believe everything you think: Applying a cognitive processing therapy intervention to disrupting imposter phenomenon. New Horizons in Adult Education and Human Resource Development, 33(4), 33-47. https://doi.org/10.1002/nha3.20325.
• Hutchins, H. M., & Rainbolt, H. (2017). What triggers imposter phenomenon among academic faculty? A critical incident study exploring antecedents, coping, and development opportunities. Human Resource Development International, 20(3), 194-214. https://doi.org/10.1080/13678868.2016.1248205.
• Hutchins, H. M., Penney, L. M., & Sublett, L. W. (2018). What imposters risk at work: Exploring imposter phenomenon, stress coping, and job outcomes. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 29(1), 31-48. https://doi.org/10.1002/hrdq.21304.
• Kamarzarrin, H., Khaledian, M., Shooshtari, M., Yousefi, E., & Ahrami, R. (2013). A study of the relationship between self-esteem and the imposter phenomenon in the physicians of Rasht city. European Journal of Experimental Biology, 3(2), 363-366.
• Karvay, Y., Imbriano, G., Jin, J., Mohanty, A., & Jarcho, J. M. (2022). They’re watching you: The impact of social evaluation and anxiety on threat-related perceptual decision-making. Psychological Research, 86(4), 1174-1183. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-021-01547-w.
• Kaur, T., & Jain, N. (2022). Relationship between impostor phenomenon and personality traits: A study on undergraduate students. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 6(11), 734-746.
• Kolligian Jr, J., & Sternberg, R. J. (1991). Perceived fraudulence in young adults: Is there an'imposter syndrome'? Journal of Personality Assessment, 56(2), 308-326. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa5602_10.
• Komariah, M., Ibrahim, K., Pahria, T., Rahayuwati, L., & Somantri, I. (2023). Effect of mindfulness breathing meditation on depression, anxiety, and stress: A randomized controlled trial among university students. Healthcare, 11(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11010026.
• Kuna, S. (2019). All by myself? Executives’ impostor phenomenon and loneliness as catalysts for executive coaching with management consultants. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 55(3), 306-326. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021886319832009.
• Le, L. (2019). Unpacking the imposter syndrome and mental health as a person of color first generation college student within institutions of higher education. McNair Research Journal SJSU, 15(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.31979/mrj.2019.1505.
• Leach, P. K., Nygaard, R. M., Chipman, J. G., Brunsvold, M. E., & Marek, A. P. (2019). Impostor phenomenon and burnout in general surgeons and general surgery residents. Journal of Surgical Education, 76(1), 99-106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsurg.2018.06.025.
• Luten, A. G., Ralph, J. A., & Mineka, S. (1997). Pessimistic attributional style: Is it specific to depression versus anxiety versus negative affect? Behaviour Research and Therapy, 35(8), 703-719. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7967(97)00027-2.
• Maftei, A., Dumitriu, A., & Holman, A. C. (2021). “They will discover i’ma fraud!” the imposter syndrome among psychology students. Studia Psychologica, 63(4), 337-351. https://doi.org/10.31577/sp.2021.04.831.
• Özen Kutanis, R., Özsoy, E., Karakiraz, A., & Uslu, O. (2015). Örgütsel davranış araştırmalarında kişiliğin karanlık yönü (narsisizm, makyavelizm ve psikopati) dikkate alınıyor mu?, 23. Ulusal Yönetim ve Organizasyon Kongresi, 14-16.
• Rad, M. K., Pour, N. M., & Salehi, M. (2020). The Relationship between perfectionism and early maladaptive fantasies with imposter syndrome in female students. Journal of Consulting Excellence and Psychotherapy: Issue, 9, 24-33.
• Rivera, N., Feldman, E. A., Augustin, D. A., Caceres, W., Gans, H. A., & Blankenburg, R. (2021). Do I belong here? Confronting imposter syndrome at an individual, peer, and institutional level in health professionals. MedEdPORTAL, 17, 11166. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11166.
• Shytle, J. G. (2022). Twice-exceptional childhood experiences contributing to imposter syndrome in post-secondary faculty (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University).
• Slank, S. (2019). Rethinking the imposter phenomenon. Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, 22(1), 205-218. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10677-019-09984-8.
• Snyder, K. E., Bartley, M. I., & Fowler, A. (2024). Context-dependent social comparison and imposter phenomenon: An experimental vignette approach. Gifted Child Quarterly, 68(4), 264-278. https://doi.org/10.1177/00169862241265310.
• Stricker, J., Buecker, S., Schneider, M., & Preckel, F. (2020). Intellectual giftedness and multidimensional perfectionism: A meta-analytic review. Educational Psychology Review, 32, 391-414. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-019-09504-1.
• Tovey, T. L., Kelly, S., & Brown, W. (2022). The relationships among locus of control, the impostor phenomenon, and math anxiety in business majors. International Journal for Business Education, 163(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.30707/IJBE163.1.1660590612.882591.
• Uslu, O. (2016). The associations among emotional intelligence, job satisfaction and job performance. In Proceedings of the Fifth European Academic Research Conference on Global Business, Economics, Finance and Banking (EAR16Turkey Conference) Istanbul-Turkey (pp. 15-17).
• Uslu, O. (2020). How demographic factors associate with employees’ emotional intelligence? Bartın Üniversitesi İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Fakültesi Dergisi, 11(21), 88-100.
• Uslu, O., & Şimşek, A. (2020). Çalışma arkadaşlarına güven ve psikolojik iyi oluşun çalışanların iş performansına etkileri. Sakarya Üniversitesi İşletme Enstitüsü Dergisi, 2(1), 6-12.
• Wang, K. T., Sheveleva, M. S., & Permyakova, T. M. (2019). Imposter syndrome among Russian students: The link between perfectionism and psychological distress. Personality and Individual Differences, 143, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2019.02.005.
• Wells, D. (1999). The imposter phenomenon: an exploration of the need to please (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Waikato).
• Widiger, T. A., & Oltmanns, J. R. (2017). Neuroticism is a fundamental domain of personality with enormous public health implications. World Psychiatry, 16(2), 144. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20411.
• Wilkinson, C. (2020). Imposter syndrome and the accidental academic: An autoethnographic account. International Journal for Academic Development, 25(4), 363-374. https://doi.org/10.1080/1360144X.2020.1762087.
• Yosopov, L., Saklofske, D. H., Smith, M. M., Flett, G. L., & Hewitt, P. L. (2024). Failure sensitivity in perfectionism and procrastination: Fear of failure and overgeneralization of failure as mediators of traits and cognitions. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 07342829241249784. https://doi.org/10.1177/07342829241249784.
• Yurica, C. L., & DiTomasso, R. A. (2005). Cognitive distortions. Encyclopedia of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, 117-122.