Understanding imposter syndrome in college students

Personality

Impostor syndrome can be rooted in such personality traits as:

• Perfectionism: In which individuals are often motivated by an unrealistically high standard and worry excessively about failure.
• Low self-esteem: This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a sense that one will never be good enough or successful.
• Impulsive behavior: Including actions taken without thought or consideration, leading to a self-perception of incompetence.

These roots can exist individually or in combination.

Pressure to achieve

The pressure to achieve in society can also contribute to the feeling of needing to constantly prove one’s self and attain success to be accepted. Additionally, the high standards for achievement and success in competitive industries can make impostor syndrome even more prevalent.

Social background

Those from marginalized backgrounds may be especially prone to impostor syndrome, as they may worry about facing additional obstacles. This can lead to feelings of unworthiness and self-doubt, which further feed impostor syndrome.

Social anxiety

Finally, impostor syndrome may also be related to social anxiety. Individuals who experience impostor syndrome may struggle in social situations as they feel unable to measure up or are concerned about being judged for their imperfections. This can further contribute to a lack of confidence in one’s abilities.

Again, one might experience one, several or none of these root causes since impostor syndrome is a highly individualized experience. But understanding its sources can help those who contend with impostor syndrome identify which underlying causes apply to them and begin to work on coping.

Do women feel impostor syndrome more than men?

In studies such as “The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention,” it was found that women experience impostor syndrome more often than men. Women may face additional pressure or unequal treatment in the workplace. Additionally, social expectations and stereotypes concerning gender roles and performance can make impostor syndrome even more common among women.

Moreover, KPMG studies have found that 85% of women in corporate America know that impostor syndrome is all too common, and 74% feel their male colleagues don’t suffer from self-doubt to the same degree.

This could be due to societal messages that women receive that tell them they aren’t as capable as their male counterparts, or that they’re responsible for more altogether (counting responsibilities at home and at work).

On the flip side, men have traditionally not been encouraged to admit when they’re feeling self-doubt. So, even if they experience impostor syndrome, they may be less likely to acknowledge it to themselves or others.

Types of impostor syndrome

Impostor syndrome can manifest differently based on context. Whether at work, school or in relationships, the syndrome can take many forms.

At school

Impostor syndrome can be particularly challenging in an academic context. It may manifest as excessive worrying about grades and tests or a fear of being “found out” for not knowing enough information.

Research has found that impostor syndrome is especially prevalent among students in graduate degree programs, but it should be noted that these feelings can occur at any stage — from high school to bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Feeling like a fraud can also manifest in other ways, such as difficulty speaking up, participating in class or feeling like one’s accomplishments pale compared to those of their peers. It’s important to note that these feelings can be experienced by anyone regardless of age, gender or background.

At work

Impostor syndrome could be holding you back at work, and you might be surprised by how subtle its effects can be. It can present as:

• Feelings of inadequacy related to one’s job title or position
• An inability to take credit for accomplishments
• Fear of failure and a deep-seated worry that colleagues are more knowledgeable or capable

These feelings frequently crop up when transitioning to a new job or taking on more responsibilities, such as leading projects or teams, since these changes may bring a sense of uncertainty and unfamiliarity.

However, with the right strategies and mindset, it’s possible to move beyond these feelings and succeed. There are plenty of easily integrated tips for successfully returning to work or navigating new roles.

In relationships

Impostor syndrome can also cause difficulties in personal relationships, such as between partners or even among friends.

In romantic relationships, it may take the form of questioning your partner’s feelings and worrying they will discover you aren’t as “perfect” as they think you are. This can make it difficult to truly open up and be vulnerable, leading to isolation and loneliness.

In friendships, you may feel like an outsider or that you can’t meet the same standards as your friends. These feelings can lead to sabotaging relationships by not pursuing them or avoiding social situations altogether.

While parenting

Parenthood is no easy feat, and feelings of inadequacy can be especially intense. People may experience self-doubt about their parenting skills or worry that their child is not performing adequately in school or other areas.

Motherhood, in particular, can be a time when impostor syndrome intensifies due to the multitude of new responsibilities and tasks. In addition to juggling the roles and responsibilities they previously held, new mothers must take on an infant’s physical care as well as the baby’s social, emotional and mental development. In this process, mothers often reassess, sometimes subconsciously, their own identities and relationships with their partners, friends and larger family. And they do it on little sleep!

In short, it can be hard to feel like you are “measuring up” when juggling all these demands.