Imposter syndrome refers to a mental condition in which people feel inadequate even when all logical evidence indicates just the opposite. People with imposter syndrome feel that their success is the result of luck or a mistake, rather than something they earned through their abilities and hard work. Even the highest levels of success and recognition do not raise self-confidence for those suffering from imposter... Read more >
Although imposter phenomenon is not formally recognized as a psychological disorder, it is a very real mental affliction that many people experience. Imposter phenomenon, also known as imposter syndrome, is a mental state in which you believe that your achievements cannot be attributed to talent or ability. Those suffering from imposter syndrome believe that they are "frauds" and that they don't deserve any praise... Read more >
Everything we think about ourselves, including all of our learned beliefs and opinions about who we are, constitutes our self-concept. By definition, self-concept is the sum-total of our understanding and knowledge about our existence.
Self-esteem, on the other hand, is what we feel about our self-concept. Do we find our ideas about ourselves to be favorable or unfavorable? If we are happy with how we see... Read more >
If you’ve ever felt like your successes are the result of luck or that you don’t deserve the merits you’ve received, you’re not alone. Many people describe feeling like imposters in their own lives, fearing that soon their peers will find out the "truth"—that they’re not actually smart, attractive, talented or worthy of their successes.
These fears and self-doubts are some of the key symptoms... Read more >
Imposter phenomena in men and women encompass a range of fears and emotions that center around a sense of falseness and inadequacy. Individuals with imposter phenomena think they are "frauds" in their careers or in school, and are characteristically overwhelmed with unfounded beliefs that they are less than capable. These feelings occur in spite of demonstrated talent, education and acquired skills. While not... Read more >
The imposter phenomenon, also known as imposter syndrome, causes people to feel as though they are inadequate or undeserving of their success despite the fact that they possess the proper training, experience and talents for their achievements. While imposter syndrome can be a detriment to achievement, for some, it can push them to achieve more, even though they live with the anxiety of eventually being labeled as... Read more >
Do other people in your life seem to think you’re brilliant and have amazing achievements under your belt, even while you remain convinced that you are fooling everyone? Are you sure, no matter what level of success you achieve, that you are a fraud and that it’s only a matter of time until everyone else discovers your ignorance?
If you answered "yes" to both of the questions above, you may be... Read more >
Many highly successful people can list the main goals and processes that led to their major achievements. However, those with imposter phenomenon often feel like they are only successful because of luck, charistma or circumstances unrelated to their own work and abilities.
Although it is not a recognized psychological disorder, imposter phenomenon (sometimes known as the imposter syndrome or fraud... Read more >
Imposter Syndrome
Caltech Student Counseling Center (n.d.). Introduction of the Imposter Syndrome. Retrieved March 21, 2008, from the Caltech Student Counseling Center Web site.
Carey, Benedict (2008). Feel Like a Fraud? At Times, Maybe You Should. Retrieved March 21, 2008, from the New York Times Web site.
Laursen, Lucas (2008). No, You're Not an Imposter. Retrieved March 21, 2008, from the... Read more >