Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesWhat Are the 5 Types of Imposter Syndrome?IdentifyingCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
What Are the 5 Types of Imposter Syndrome?
Identifying
Coping
While imposter syndrome is unwarranted, it’s widespread—even among the most famous, talented, and successful people. It is also known as the imposter phenomenon, fraud syndrome, and the imposter experience.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Imposter syndrome comes with a mix of feelings, thoughts, and other symptoms.
Common thoughts and feelings include:
Along with these internalized thoughts and feelings, there are external signs you may recognize in yourself or others. These include:
The phenomenon can appear in many ways and have a major effect on decisions and actions.
Psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes coined the term “imposter syndrome” in 1978. Their study of 150 women showed that women with this syndrome, regardless of evidence of their earned success, lacked the internal acknowledgment of their accomplishments.
Across the board, imposter syndrome is more common when trying something new and feeling pressure to achieve.
In the 1978 study of imposter syndrome, Clance and Imes believed that the imposter mentality is developed from factors that includegender stereotypes, early family dynamics, culture, and personality traits.
Since that initial study, imposter syndrome has been identified in people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. The list of contributing causes has also grown.
The leading causes include:
It used to be thought that mostly women experienced imposter syndrome, but newer studies show an equal prevalence of imposter syndrome in men and women.
Who suffers the most from imposter syndrome?Those under-represented in an academic or work environment are also more prone to imposter syndrome. Sometimes, imposter syndrome in women can be attributed in part to their low representation in corporate America.Women of color, in particular, are represented even less.The lack of role models can lead to low confidence, a lack of peer support, and a feeling of not belonging—all factors that can contribute to imposter syndrome.
Who suffers the most from imposter syndrome?
Those under-represented in an academic or work environment are also more prone to imposter syndrome. Sometimes, imposter syndrome in women can be attributed in part to their low representation in corporate America.Women of color, in particular, are represented even less.The lack of role models can lead to low confidence, a lack of peer support, and a feeling of not belonging—all factors that can contribute to imposter syndrome.
Those under-represented in an academic or work environment are also more prone to imposter syndrome. Sometimes, imposter syndrome in women can be attributed in part to their low representation in corporate America.
Women of color, in particular, are represented even less.The lack of role models can lead to low confidence, a lack of peer support, and a feeling of not belonging—all factors that can contribute to imposter syndrome.
The five types are as follows:
Identifying and taking action to combat imposter syndrome can be done alone or collaboratively with a professional. Identifying it can take time and self-reflection.
Ask yourself these questions:
If so, you may be struggling with imposter syndrome. Identifying the problem is the first step to gaining a healthier attitude about your accomplishments.
While the imposter phenomenon isn’t in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5) or recognized as a mental health condition, it still may be necessary to work through it with a therapist, especially if you have feelings of anxiety or depression.
First and foremost, understand that imposter syndrome is common and that there are helpful tips and tools for combating it.
Here are some ways to overcome imposter syndrome:
Imposter syndrome can feel overwhelming, and when it brings up feelings of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt, you may need a helping hand as you work through it.
If you need help dealing with a mental health condition, you can call theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Summary
A person with imposter syndrome may feel like a fraud and that their successes and accomplishments are not valid. Gender stereotypes, family expectations, and certain personality traits are believed to contribute to imposter syndrome.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Feel like a fraud?Bravata DM, Watts SA, Keefer AL, et al.Prevalence, predictors, and treatment of impostor syndrome: a systematic review.J Gen Intern Med. 2020;35(4):1252-1275. doi:10.1007/s11606-019-05364-1Feigofsky S.Imposter syndrome.HeartRhythm Case Rep. 2022;8(12):861-862. doi:10.1016/j.hrcr.2022.11.001Clance P R, Imes SA.The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention.Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice.1978;15(3):241–247. doi:10.1037/h0086006Blondeau LA, Awad GH.The relation of the impostor phenomenon to future intentions of mathematics-related school and work.J Career Dev. 2018;45(3):253-267. doi:10.1177/0894845316680769Lean In.Women in the workplace 2019: The state of women in corporate America.Catalyst.Women of color in the United States: Quick take.Feigofsky S.Imposter syndrome.HeartRhythm Case Rep. 2022;8(12):861-862. doi:10.1016/j.hrcr.2022.11.001American Psychological Association.How to overcome imposter phenomenon.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Feel like a fraud?Bravata DM, Watts SA, Keefer AL, et al.Prevalence, predictors, and treatment of impostor syndrome: a systematic review.J Gen Intern Med. 2020;35(4):1252-1275. doi:10.1007/s11606-019-05364-1Feigofsky S.Imposter syndrome.HeartRhythm Case Rep. 2022;8(12):861-862. doi:10.1016/j.hrcr.2022.11.001Clance P R, Imes SA.The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention.Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice.1978;15(3):241–247. doi:10.1037/h0086006Blondeau LA, Awad GH.The relation of the impostor phenomenon to future intentions of mathematics-related school and work.J Career Dev. 2018;45(3):253-267. doi:10.1177/0894845316680769Lean In.Women in the workplace 2019: The state of women in corporate America.Catalyst.Women of color in the United States: Quick take.Feigofsky S.Imposter syndrome.HeartRhythm Case Rep. 2022;8(12):861-862. doi:10.1016/j.hrcr.2022.11.001American Psychological Association.How to overcome imposter phenomenon.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychological Association.Feel like a fraud?Bravata DM, Watts SA, Keefer AL, et al.Prevalence, predictors, and treatment of impostor syndrome: a systematic review.J Gen Intern Med. 2020;35(4):1252-1275. doi:10.1007/s11606-019-05364-1Feigofsky S.Imposter syndrome.HeartRhythm Case Rep. 2022;8(12):861-862. doi:10.1016/j.hrcr.2022.11.001Clance P R, Imes SA.The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention.Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice.1978;15(3):241–247. doi:10.1037/h0086006Blondeau LA, Awad GH.The relation of the impostor phenomenon to future intentions of mathematics-related school and work.J Career Dev. 2018;45(3):253-267. doi:10.1177/0894845316680769Lean In.Women in the workplace 2019: The state of women in corporate America.Catalyst.Women of color in the United States: Quick take.Feigofsky S.Imposter syndrome.HeartRhythm Case Rep. 2022;8(12):861-862. doi:10.1016/j.hrcr.2022.11.001American Psychological Association.How to overcome imposter phenomenon.
American Psychological Association.Feel like a fraud?
Bravata DM, Watts SA, Keefer AL, et al.Prevalence, predictors, and treatment of impostor syndrome: a systematic review.J Gen Intern Med. 2020;35(4):1252-1275. doi:10.1007/s11606-019-05364-1
Feigofsky S.Imposter syndrome.HeartRhythm Case Rep. 2022;8(12):861-862. doi:10.1016/j.hrcr.2022.11.001
Clance P R, Imes SA.The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention.Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice.1978;15(3):241–247. doi:10.1037/h0086006
Blondeau LA, Awad GH.The relation of the impostor phenomenon to future intentions of mathematics-related school and work.J Career Dev. 2018;45(3):253-267. doi:10.1177/0894845316680769
Lean In.Women in the workplace 2019: The state of women in corporate America.
Catalyst.Women of color in the United States: Quick take.
American Psychological Association.How to overcome imposter phenomenon.
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