Do You Have Imposter Syndrome?
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon wherein someone doubts their skills, abilities, or accomplishments. This self-doubt accompanies the belief that one is inadequate, causing one to speak or think negatively about themselves — which is why those experiencing imposter syndrome may also experience symptoms of anxiety or depression. Unlike anxiety or depression, imposter syndrome is not a pathological condition or disorder. It involves a set of distorted beliefs where one attributes their skills and achievements to factors out of their control, like good luck. And since one believes they aren’t responsible for their success, a fear of being found out or exposed as fraudulent. The self-doubt and fear that characterize imposter syndrome can manifest as restlessness, nervousness, or self-sabotaging in stressful situations.
Why Does Imposter Syndrome Happen?
Imposter syndrome can happen for multiple reasons. New environments, like a new workplace or school, social interactions with new people, or even a new relationship, can cause someone to feel like an imposter. The degree of imposter feelings someone experiences is influenced by factors, such as personality, childhood experiences, and identity. Individuals with personality traits, like perfectionism, neuroticism, and low self-efficacy, are more likely to experience imposter syndrome, as they often experience a lack of self-acceptance and self-validation. These traits can also stem from various childhood experiences. Someone who had controlling, critical, or competitive parents, low social support, or lots of familial conflict in their childhood often develops personality traits that encourage feelings of imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome also stems from systems of discrimination and oppression — people with minority identities are questioned or doubted more often than non-minority individuals. This excessive doubt and questioning from others can cause individuals to doubt and question themselves.
Who Experiences Imposter Syndrome?
When imposter syndrome was first studied in the late 1970s, researchers assessed it in women in higher academia and professional fields. These women often experienced imposter syndrome in their fields, consequently experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as a lack of self-confidence. Despite the original research being women-centred, more recent research has shown that imposter syndrome occurs in people of all genders. Almost 70% of people will experience imposter syndrome at least once during their lifetime, but it is most common in high-achieving people. People like those in higher academia and professional fields, especially those who also identify as an ethnic or gender minority, are more likely to experience feelings of imposter syndrome. So, populations with intersecting minority identities, like women of colour, may disproportionately experience imposter syndrome.
Types of Imposters and Their Underlying Emotions
According to Dr. Young (2011), there are five different types of underlying emotions associated with imposter syndrome, and thus five different types of “imposters”.
The Perfectionist
This imposter believes that, unless they were perfect, they could have done better and are not as good as others think.
Underlying fear: Losing control
The Expert
This imposter believes they have failed if they don’t know everything about a topic, haven’t mastered every skill, or have more to learn.
Underlying fear: Inadequacy
The Superperson
This imposter believes they are a fraud if they aren’t the hardest worker or the highest-status person.
Underlying fear: Free time for personal fulfillment away from work
The Natural Genius
This imposter believes they are a fraud if they don’t believe they’re naturally intelligent or competent.
Underlying shame: Failing
The Soloist
This imposter believes they’re a failure if they need to ask for help when achieving a goal.
Underlying shame: Asking for help
While these are the main five types of imposters, there are other, less common subtypes as well. Regardless of the type of imposter one may believe themselves to be, there are ways to overcome these feelings and develop a more secure self-confidence.
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Focus on your strengths to help realistically assess your abilities
Give yourself credit for all of your accomplishments and how far you’ve come
Practice self-compassion and mindfulness
Stop comparing yourself to other people
Talking about your feelings and experiences of imposter syndrome is extremely important for overcoming it. To truly stop feeling like an imposter, one must separate their self-esteem from their self-worth — one must believe that their value is separate from how they feel about themselves. Separating these two ideas helps extract feelings of self-doubt that underlie imposter syndrome. If you are experiencing imposter syndrome, please reach out to us. One of our trained therapists can help you identify the root cause of this self-doubt and fear and help you overcome the discomfort of imposter syndrome.
