Have you ever thought that your achievements are a coincidence, rather than the result of your hard work or competence? Or do you believe your success was due to external factors, or simply because you were given a simple task? If so, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome. Let’s find out what it is and whether you might have it.
Imposter Syndrome Test
Imposter Syndrome in Psychology
Imposter syndrome is a condition in which a person constantly devalues their achievements and believes that they’ve somehow fooled others into thinking they’re competent. It is not an official mental health diagnosis, but rather a negative pattern of behavior that can influence your personal life and your comfort at work.
Psychologists Pauline R. Clance and Suzanne A. Imes coined the term “impostor phenomenon” and developed the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale after conducting research on successful women in therapy sessions [1] Clance, P. R. Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale. . The study found that, despite evidence of their accomplishments, these women had negative self-evaluations and believed they could not handle delegated tasks. They also feared being exposed as “frauds” or incompetent and unqualified workers and told they did not deserve their success [2] Clance P.R, Imes S.A. The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. .
Even if someone has significant qualifications and experience, imposter phenomenon can make them feel like they are not good enough. People with imposter syndrome tend to compare themselves to others and believe that others are more capable than they are.
This can make them experience dissatisfaction with their abilities. It can result in intense anxiety and depression, according to research published by the American Psychological Association [3] Kirsten Weir. Feel like a fraud? 2013. .
Try the personality types test to recognize how your personality and thoughts influence your self-perception and decision-making.
Are You Looking for More Quizzes?
If you’re struggling with self-doubt, feeling like you’re just “faking it” despite your achievements, and want a tool you can use anytime to learn how to feel your feelings and manage them, build confidence, and feel more secure, Breeze Wellbeing is your support for overcoming imposter syndrome and becoming the best version of yourself.
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If you want a tool that fits easily into your daily life and helps you take small, meaningful steps toward overcoming imposter syndrome, the Breeze app is here for you.
Expert Insight
The first step to coping with imposter syndrome is building mindfulness. Start to label and accept your triggers for what they are. From there, you can pause and be intentional with how you respond to those triggers when they arise. With that, it’s important to anchor yourself to knowing that, while imposter syndrome may feel real, it doesn’t actually mean you’re genuinely inferior or incapable.
Nicole Arzt
Mental health professional
Sources
- Clance, P. R. Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale.
- Clance P.R, Imes S.A. The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention.
- Kirsten Weir. Feel like a fraud? 2013.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informative and self-discovery purposes only. It should not replace expert guidance from professionals.
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