Feel like a Fraud?

Feel like a Fraud?

Katherine Monico

Fraud. Fake. Phony. In the realm of self-doubt and personal uncertainty, amidst the tapestry of accomplishments, lies a psychological phenomenon that infiltrates the minds of many: imposter syndrome. This cognitive experience describes the feelings of inadequacy and fraudulence amongst high-achieving individuals. If persistent, imposter syndrome can lead to mental health challenges of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. 

Individuals who experience imposter syndrome struggle with a constant fear of being exposed as a fraud or feeling undeserving of their accomplishments. These negative thoughts contribute to heightened stress levels, emotional distress, and diminished sense of self-worth. Over time, untreated imposter syndrome can exacerbate existing mental health conditions or develop new ones. The common symptoms of imposter syndrome include psychological distress, avoidance of high-level or demanding tasks, sabotaging self-success, and dismissal of positive feedback[1]. 

Dr. Valerie Young is an internationally recognized expert on imposter syndrome and the co-founder of the Imposter Syndrome Institute. Earning her degree in education at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, she sought to seek out why so many bright, capable women felt like frauds. In her research, she uncovered five types of imposter syndrome that plague thousands of people[2]. 

The first is the perfectionist. This describes someone focusing on “how” work is done and the results. One minor flaw in an otherwise stellar performance is deemed a failure. The second is the expert whose primary concern is how much you know or can do. Therefore, the lack of knowledge is considered shameful. The third type of imposter syndrome is the natural genius. This individual cares about how and when accomplishments happen and measures competence through ease and speed. Hence, struggling to master a subject and being unable to complete a task on the first try results in defeat. 

The soloist is the fourth type who cares most about who exactly completes the task. As this person believes that they can do everything on their own, the need for help, tutoring, or coaching is a sign of weakness. Lastly, the fifth type of imposter syndrome is the superhuman, who measures competence based on how many roles one can take at a time and excel in. Falling short in any role would evoke shame as everything should be handled perfectly and easily[2]. 

Although imposter syndrome is not recognized as a mental health disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)[3], it has been studied across several disciplines including STEM and education. During the year 2020, a systematic review of 62 studies analyzed imposter syndrome prevalence to find rates as high as between 56% and 82% in graduate students, college students, nurses, medical students, and other professions[1]. Imposter syndrome has been affecting the minds of students at Stevens Institute of Technology. A junior quantitative finance major shares her experience.

“I can still remember the first true panic attack I felt sitting in my first QF probability course fall of freshman year. I felt my heart rate jump, pit in my stomach, and hands begin to shake. The immediate panic when I did not understand what the professor was saying set in, and I spiraled into a toxic thought pattern. I sat in my seat thinking ‘I’m not going to be able to ever understand what he’s saying’, which led to ‘I am never going to be a successful student at Stevens.’ 

Throughout the duration of my freshman year, I felt these feelings occurring more and more frequently. I turned down interviews, avoided speeches, and was in a constant state of fear that although I was making it through now, things would get too hard in later semesters and I would fail. Going to therapy helped, as well as talking to others. 

This mindset is something I still struggle with today. There are times where I look back at accomplishments: good grades in challenging coursework, successful interviews, speeches, etc. and think to myself ‘I was only able to do that because… and next time will be harder.’ This mindset is hard to get rid of, but I’ve learned to come to terms with my anxieties instead of running from them. When I go to public speak and have thoughts of ‘you can’t do this’, I try to replace them with ‘I have anxiety and that is okay, I’m going to be okay regardless of the outcome.’

I’ve noticed that changing my mindset to being grateful for being there for myself and always trying my best has helped me to feel proud of my accomplishments, and feeling more comfortable with celebrating the small wins in life”[4].

Many students are not aware that they are living with imposter syndrome mainly because of the lack of knowledge about the subject and the normalization of these feelings. Having feelings of inadequacy are common, especially in academic settings where high expectations and competition are set. However, it is important to destigmatize these mental health challenges and raise awareness of the importance of imposter syndrome. 

Moving forward, environments should be fostered where individuals can feel empowered by their accomplishments and seek support if necessary. By acknowledging the prevalence of imposter syndrome and destigmatizing its challenges, strategies for resilience and self-care can be better promoted in a community where individuals can thrive. 

References: 

1. Bravata, Dena M et al. “Prevalence, Predictors, and Treatment of Impostor Syndrome: a Systematic Review.” Journal of general internal medicine vol. 35,4 (2020): 1252-1275. doi:10.1007/s11606-019-05364-1

2. “Rethinking Impostor Syndrome.” Impostor Syndrome Institute, 4 May 2023, impostorsyndrome.com/rethinking-impostor-syndrome/.

3. Arlin Cuncic, MA. “Stop Letting Imposter Syndrome Hold You Back.” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 19 Jan. 2024

4. K.Monico, Personal Communication, 23 February 2024