What Imposter Syndrome Really Is [ep. 176]

In this episode, we're digging deeper into imposter syndrome. First, a reminder from last episode that you do not have a syndrome if you have these imposter feelings. You are not broken. Further, imposter feelings are not just a problem with self-esteem. This is a common misconception. Self-esteem is actually just a small contributor to these very real and uncomfortable feelings. That's why we'll focus on six key factors that can contribute to imposter feelings and some practical advice for addressing each one. It's likely you'll resonate with at least one of the factors, offering a great place to focus your attention to reduce imposter feelings.

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Sources and Notes:

• Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life. Your Joy Lab membership also includes our NMH Community!
• Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241–247. Access here.
• Langford, J., & Clance, P. R. (1993). The imposter phenomenon: Recent research findings regarding dynamics, personality and family patterns and their implications for treatment. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 30(3), 495–501. Access here.
•  More episodes on uncertainty:
• Getting Comfy with Not Knowing (ep. 162)
• Mental Health & The Male Hubris, Female Humility Effect (ep. 157)
• Seeing the Goodness in Others, Yourself, & The World (ep. 66)
• You Are That Vast Thing You See with Great Telescopes (ep. 18)
• The Surprising Benefits of Not Knowing (ep. 16)
• Take the Multidimensional Introversion-Extroversion Scales.
• Tran, N. (2023). From imposter phenomenon to infiltrator experience: Decolonizing the mind to claim space and reclaim self. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology, 29(2), 184–193. Access here. 
• Number of doctoral degrees earned in the United States from 1949/50 to 2031/32, by gender.
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• Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241–247. Access here.
• Tran, N. (2023). From imposter phenomenon to infiltrator experience: Decolonizing the mind to claim space and reclaim self. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology, 29(2), 184–193. https://doi.org/10.1037/pac0000674 
• Langford, J., & Clance, P. R. (1993). The imposter phenomenon: Recent research findings regarding dynamics, personality and family patterns and their implications for treatment. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 30(3), 495–501. Access here.
• Number of doctoral degrees earned in the United States from 1949/50 to 2031/32, by gender.