Have you ever sat in on a conference call, lead a meeting, or answered a question and thought to yourself “I have no idea what I’m doing”? How about this scenario, you get a promotion at work, but your internal monologue tells you that it was a mistake, that you are not qualified or that someone else is likely more deserving. This feeling is incredibly common, so common in fact that The Journal of Behavioral Science estimates 70% of people experience this feeling at some point in their lives. This feeling is called Impostor Syndrome. It essentially means that you consistently doubt yourself and your accomplishments, despite ample evidence to support otherwise.
The term Imposter Syndrome was coined in the late 1970s by two psychologists, Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes. At that time, the research was specifically speaking about women in high-powered, corporate positions, but continued research has shown that people in all fields, and all genders can experience it. Impostor Syndrome can be difficult to combat, as it is often deeply rooted. While no one can really explain where Impostor Syndrome comes from, experts have various theories, such as childhood expectations or a person’s inclination towards anxiety or neuroses. According to professionals, the best way to tackle Impostor Syndrome is head on. Acknowledging and labeling the feeling can help you to more carefully and more critically examine where these negative thoughts are coming from.
If you can’t figure it out on your own, there are professionals (like us) to help guide you.
You are still strong and valuable if you ask for help.
References:
Abrams, A. (2018, June 20). Yes, impostor syndrome is real. Here’s how to deal with it. Retrieved from
https://time.com/5312483/how-to-deal-with-impostor-syndrome/
Clance, P.R., & Imes, S.A. (1978). The Impostor Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Interventions. Psychotherapy: Theory Research and Practice, 15, 241247
Dalla-Camina, M. (2018, September 3). The reality of imposter syndrome. Retrieved from
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/real-women/201809/the-reality-imposter-syndrome
Sakulku, J. (1). The Impostor Phenomenon. The Journal of Behavioral Science, 6(1), 75-97. https://doi.org/10.14456/ijbs.2011.6