Author(s): Robert McCullagh
Mentor(s): Kent Hinkson, Malisa Brooks
Institution UVU
Imposter phenomenon (IP) – also known as imposter syndrome – is highly prevalent in academia, affecting more than half (56.15%) of Psychology students (Maftei et al., 2021). IP’s hallmark characteristic, self-doubt, is characterized by persistent feelings of inadequacy and the constant fear of being exposed as a “fraud” (Clance & Imes, 1978). IP is correlated with several structural barriers and socioeconomic factors such as racism and sexism (Bano & O’Shea, 2023), and is significantly associated with negative experiences and outcomes in both academic and professional groups. In addition, there are a few mental health conditions correlated with IP, primarily anxiety and depression (Bravata et al., 2019). Although numerous studies have reported associations between IP, depression, and anxiety, there is a distinct lack of research investigating a possible relationship between symptoms of PTSD and IP. Some symptoms of IP and PTSD overlap in theoretical and practical ways, particularly negative changes in thought and mood (such as inappropriate blame and distorted worldview), avoidance behaviors, and intrusive thoughts (Bravata et al., 2019). This study seeks to explore the possible association between IP and PTSD in post-secondary academic students at Utah Valley University enrolled in undergraduate and graduate psychology, social work, and family science programs, as well as undergraduate sociology, nursing, and other helping professions. Validated measures of PTSD and IP will be collected from the participants and analyzed for statistically significant relationships between the constructs as a whole, as well as individual symptoms. Results are forthcoming with data collection anticipated to be complete by January 2025.