You Have to Work Twice as Hard: Implications of Imposter Syndrome

Growing up I was told that you have to work twice as hard as others to become successful. My perfectionist tendencies often dictated long hours spent on homework assignments. In addition, I experienced sleepless nights worried about what grades I would receive on my report card. I was successful in school but I always compared myself to other students because of my desire to be the best.  Now I know that I was experiencing imposter syndrome.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Clinical psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, first used the term “imposter phenomenon” in 1978 to describe individuals who think they don’t deserve success despite having ample evidence of accomplishments[1]. These individuals lack confidence that they can repeat past success and exert strenuous efforts to avoid being “discovered as a fraud”. The term “imposter syndrome” became more popular among academic researchers and the general public because it connected the phenomenon directly to individual dysfunction or behavior[1].

Imposter syndrome affects high achieving individuals and is linked to perfectionism, anxiety, burnout, and depression[1],[2].

Women and Imposter Syndrome

Women are more likely to experience it than men. Russell et al. published a study in January 2022 that evaluated the rate of imposter syndrome in twenty-three classes across nine osteopathic medical students[3]. The students were asked to provide their MCAT scores and undergraduate science GPA[1]. In addition, they answered eight questions from the Young Imposter Scale Questionnaire[1]. The study concluded that female students experience a high rate of imposter syndrome compared to males[1]. In addition, the study found that this occurrence is not correlated with previous high MCAT scores and undergraduate science GPA[1].

Race and Imposter Syndrome

Several studies have concluded that imposter syndrome is common among African, Asian, Latino/a, American college students[4]. These studies identified factors that predispose them to imposter syndrome such as lack of financial support, racial discrimination, and stress of being the first in their families to achieve higher education[4].  One study concluded that imposter syndrome, survivor guilt, and depression were highly correlated with African-American college students[5]. Some academic scholars believe that the assessments for imposter syndrome are inadequate for minorities because very few of them have been included in the samples to standardize these tests[5].

What are Institutions Doing to Mitigate Imposter Syndrome?

Institutions are focusing on representation and mentorship as tools to handle imposter syndrome. The Stanford Law School’s Law Scholars Institute purports that its’ curriculum for underrepresented sophomore and junior college students includes an organizational and leadership component that includes addressing imposter syndrome and implicit bias. A coaching and mentoring program for medical students has been implemented at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine Bridges Curriculum. The program has positively impacted medical students who frequently experience imposter syndrome. ATLAS Fellows Inc. is a non-profit organization that offers a career development program for underrepresented high school seniors interested in careers in the financial industry. The mentorship program offers training and workshops in various areas including imposter syndrome.

Tips for overcoming Imposter Syndrome

1.       Talk to a trusted friend or mentor.

Find someone who understands what you are going through to provide reassurance and sound advice.

2.       Turn to your network for guidance and support.

Isolation will only exacerbate the issue. Surround yourself with others who can empathize and provide suggestions and different perspectives.

3.       Challenge your doubts by writing down your achievements.

Writing your achievements down will allow you to visualize all that you have accomplished and equip you with proof to dismiss any perceived inadequacies.

4.       Avoid comparing yourself to others.

“By competing or comparing yourself with others, you impose a limit on your true potential.” – Nitin Namdeo

As high achievers, we strive tor reach our full potential. Don’t let the hurdle of comparison block your way.

[1] Feenstra, S., Begeny, C. T., Ryan, M. K., Rink, F. A., Stoker, J. I., & Jordan, J. (2020). Contextualizing the impostor “syndrome”. Frontiers in psychology, 3206.

[2] Weir, K. (2013). Feel like a fraud. Grad Psych Magazine, 11(4), 24.

[3] Shill-Russell, C., Russell, R. C., Daines, B., Clement, G., Carlson, J., Zapata, I., & Henderson, M. (2022). Imposter Syndrome Relation to Gender Across Osteopathic Medical Schools. Medical Science Educator, 1-7.

[4] Bravata, D. M., Madhusudhan, D. K., Boroff, M., & Cokley, K. O. (2020). Commentary: Prevalence, predictors, and treatment of imposter syndrome: A systematic review. Journal of Mental Health & Clinical Psychology, 4(3).

[5] Bravata, D. M., Watts, S. A., Keefer, A. L., Madhusudhan, D. K., Taylor, K. T., Clark, D. M., ... & Hagg, H. K. (2020). Prevalence, predictors, and treatment of impostor syndrome: a systematic review. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 35(4), 1252-1275.