#ImpostorSyndrome
The persistent feeling that your success is undeserved and you’ll be “found out” as a fraud.
Origins
Coined by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978, originally observed in high-achieving women.
Characteristics
- Attributing success to luck, not ability
- Fear of being exposed as incompetent
- Discounting accomplishments
- Overworking to compensate
- Perfectionism
- Avoiding challenges (might reveal “fraud”)
Who Experiences It
- 70% of people experience it at some point
- Common among:
- First-generation college students
- Women in male-dominated fields
- People of color in predominantly white spaces
- Anyone in new role/achievement
Types (Valerie Young)
- Perfectionist (mistakes = failure)
- Expert (needs to know everything)
- Natural genius (struggles = incompetence)
- Soloist (needing help = weakness)
- Superhuman (must excel in all roles)
Why It Persists
- Systemic factors (underrepresentation)
- Childhood messages (“you’re so smart!” vs. effort-based praise)
- Social comparison
- High standards
Not Always a “Syndrome”
Critics note:
- Sometimes a rational response to discrimination
- Can be adaptive (humility, motivation)
- Overpathologizing normal self-doubt
Addressing It
- Recognize it’s common
- Talk about it (breaks isolation)
- Reframe thoughts
- Track accomplishments
- Mentor others (reinforces competence)
- Address systemic barriers (not just individual psychology)
Resources
- The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women (Valerie Young, 2011)
- https://impostorsyndrome.com