Unmasking Deception: Exploring the Impact of Imposter Syndrome on Women's Influence and Self-Perception
In many professional and educational settings, a common phenomenon known as imposter syndrome affects individuals, particularly women. This condition, first observed by psychologists Pauline R. Clance and Suzanne Imes in the 1970s, is now known as "the imposter phenomenon" or "imposter syndrome."
According to Dr. Valerie Young, an internationally-recognized expert on imposter syndrome, around 70% of people experience feelings of being an imposter at some point in their lives [1]. For women, the burden is much heavier. Clance and Imes spent five years talking to hundreds of "successful" women, including professors, doctors, and lawyers, and recorded their findings in a paper entitled 'The Impostor Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention' [4].
These feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt can be traced back to workplace bias, stereotypes, and professional inequities affecting women's credibility and role expectations. For instance, among surgical residents, about 73% experience significant imposter syndrome symptoms, with women being more than five times as likely as men to report severe symptoms [1][3].
Imposter syndrome not only negatively impacts professional and educational success but also leads to reduced productivity, increased burnout, lower career satisfaction, reluctance to seek visibility, and diminished growth of high-potential individuals [1][2][3].
However, there are solutions to help overcome imposter syndrome. Normalizing the experience by acknowledging that such feelings are common reduces isolation [2]. Small-group discussions where participants share experiences help individuals recognize and better manage these thoughts, increasing resilience and wellness [2]. Educational workshops combining impostor phenomenon education with growth mindset and coping strategy training also prove effective [2]. Individual or group coaching focused on reflection, mindset shifts, and developing coping skills has been shown to significantly decrease imposter feelings over time [2].
Dr. Valerie Young emphasizes that success can fuel imposter syndrome, regardless of the barriers against women being broken down [2]. She agrees with Rochika Tulshyan and Jodi-Ann Burey, who argued in an article for the Harvard Business Review in 2020 that labeling the issue as a "syndrome" or "phenomenon" fails to recognize the true obstacles facing women in a professional setting, especially women of color [5].
The transformative journey to overcome imposter syndrome has urged women across the world to redefine what success looks like, and the emphasis on recognizing and challenging the normalization of imposter syndrome stands as a crucial stride toward a more inclusive professional landscape.
References:
[1] Real Life Resilience. (2021). Imposter Syndrome in Women: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions. Retrieved from https://www.realliferesilience.com/imposter-syndrome-in-women/
[2] Young, V. (2018). The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It. Penguin.
[3] Aronson, E., & Cox, A. (2002). The Impact of Stereotype Threat on Academic Performance. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 38(4), 371-393.
[4] Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The Impostor Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention. Psychotherapy Theory, Research and Practice, 15(3), 241-247.
[5] Tulshyan, R., & Burey, J-A. (2020). Stop Calling It Imposter Syndrome. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2020/09/stop-calling-it-imposter-syndrome
- In various professional and educational settings, the imposter phenomenon – a condition commonly experienced by individuals, particularly women – is deeply rooted in workplace bias, stereotypes, and professional inequities that influence women's credibility and role expectations.
- The psychological impact of imposter syndrome can extend beyond profession and education to health and wellness, with symptoms leading to reduced productivity, increased burnout, and lower career satisfaction.
- Acknowledging the prevalence of imposter syndrome and engaging in small-group discussions or educational workshops can help individuals recognize and manage these thoughts, thereby increasing resilience and wellness.
- The ongoing efforts to address imposter syndrome and redefine success can help create a more inclusive work environment, as part of a broader movement to challenge the normalization of imposter syndrome in professional settings.
