Imposter Syndrome

Imagine this! Today after years of preparation, hard work, and struggle you are at the top of your cohort and about to realize your ambition. Everyone is excited and optimistic about the next big step you are about to take, but there is this voice somewhere in the back of your mind. Today, this voice that once guided you to your achievements asks if you have what it takes to not just perform, but thrive and outperform at the highest level? This is imposter syndrome. 

In a sampling of 14,161 participants, a study found that 9% - 82% of individuals reported feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt regardless of their age and stage of life (1). While this broad range would be the death of a study looking at causation, it underlies an important fact: imposter syndrome can happen to anyone at any stage in life. Not yet classified as a mental health condition, it is debilitating for those who experience it. While it is highly prevalent among those who associate their self-worth with academic or professional success, there are societal and personal factors like gender, sexual orientation, and perfectionism that can contribute to feeling like a fraud waiting to be found out (2). 

That said, graduate students and other professionals in high-pressure environments need to find a confidant; a friend, a partner, or a mentor to talk about their challenges. While this may not work for everyone, taking a few days to reflect on your journey and appreciate how far you have come can also allay some feelings of inadequacy. Recognizing it! is the first step to making this feeling of inadequacy an ally in your professional pursuit and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. For more strategies to recognize and combat imposter syndrome, listen to our episode on Spotify at PhDefined.

References:

1)    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7174434/

2)    https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2013/11/fraud