Let’s suppose that you often feel inadequate. That you know you’re not good enough. Every day you fear being “found out.” You worry that everyone will discover that you suck. Maybe you’re perfectly qualified for the job. In fact, you probably are. And yet, you worry because you think that everyone will be disappointed.
What I’ve just described is called impostor syndrome. Millions of Americans suffer from it every year. But what is impostor syndrome? Who does it affect? And how can it be stopped?
To begin, psychologist Audrey Ervin told Time that impostor syndrome is characterized by an inability to “internalize and own [one’s] successes.” People experiencing impostor syndrome often feel that their successes are based solely on luck and not on their skill. Impostor syndrome is a misleading term as it is not actually a disorder. A person cannot be diagnosed with impostor syndrome; it is simply a phrase used to describe the way we feel.
For example, after studying for hours for a physics test, I felt that my A+ grade was a result of chance. I felt lucky I knew how to answer the questions on the test, and I believed that another set of questions would have resulted in a failing grade. This is classic impostor syndrome.
In addition to being unable to own their success, people experiencing impostor syndrome often fear being exposed as a fraud. They imagine a day in which every one will realize that they’re not smart/creative/good enough. This fear is incredibly draining. Impostor syndrome commonly leads to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. This, in turn, feeds the impostor-like feelings.
One common misconception about impostor syndrome is that it primarily affects women. Research shows that it affects women and men equally. The impact of impostor syndrome is more widespread than many realize. Studies found that 70 percent of people will experience it at least once in their lives. It affects just about everyone: men and women, CEOs and interns, the rich and the poor, the old and the young.
I spoke to Emma Krofcheck, a Physics and Astronomy student at the University of Pittsburgh, about her experience with impostor syndrome. Coming into college, she believed that she wouldn’t be as smart as the other students in her classes. Many people tried to tell her otherwise, but impostor syndrome made it difficult to believe them. She told me that the biggest impact of imposter syndrome is that it makes her doubt her future. She finds it difficult to believe that she could have a successful career in academia. Krofcheck landed a research position with one of her professors after an exceptional performance in that professor’s class. Even still, she said she often doubts if she should be there. Impostor syndrome tells her that she isn’t as smart as the other undergraduate researchers when this is clearly not the case.
I also spoke to Zachary Lewis, another Pitt Physics and Astronomy student. Lewis said other students fuel his feelings of inadequacy. Many students entering the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are extremely bright, and they know it. They brag to fellow students and constantly try to prove they are the top of their class. This behavior brings insecure, more humble students down. Furthermore, Lewis told me he is a perfectionist, which fuels his impostor syndrome.
Impostor syndrome is commonly seen in perfectionists, people afraid to appear stupid, and people who are naturally fast learners. This is, of course, not a comprehensive list of all the patterns found by researchers.
If you or someone you know is suffering from impostor syndrome or similar feelings, there a couple of different things you can do. First, you can see a therapist. These trained professionals can help you overcome insecurities. Another thing you can do is look for evidence that you are not a fraud. Krofcheck told me the most helpful thing for her is citing specific times when she led to her own success. Pointing this out to yourself or a friend could show you that these feelings of inadequacy are untrue. Remind yourself that you are smart, you are capable, and you deserve to be here. Lewis said, “you’re going to end up where you deserve to be,” emphasizing that you wouldn’t be placed in a role unless you were capable of it.
It’s important to ask for help if you can. Many friends and family members are perfectly willing to help lift you up. If you think that you are suffering from impostor syndrome, remember your successes. They can’t all be from luck. You are capable of anything. Don’t let impostor syndrome tell you otherwise.
If you ever need help, you can text a crisis line. Text HOME to 741741. You can text this crisis line for any reason at any time of any day. Do not wait for an emergency, prevent one.
madison brewer 