Persistent Impostor Phenomenon Is Associated With Distress in Medical Students

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Medical student distress and mental health needs are critical issues in undergraduate medical education. The imposter phenomenon (IP), defined as inappropriate feelings of inadequacy among high achievers is linked to psychological distress. We investigated the prevalence of IP among first-year medical school students and its association with personality measures that affect interpersonal relationships and well-being. Methods: Two hundred fifty-seven students at a large, urban, northeastern medical school completed the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), Jefferson Scale of Empathy, Self-Compassion Scale, and Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire immediately before beginning their first year of medical school. At the end of their first year, 182 of these students again completed the CIPS. Results: Eighty-seven percent of the entering students reported high or very high degrees of IP. Students with higher IP scores had significantly lower mean scores on self-compassion, sociability self-esteem (P<.0001 for all), and getting along with peers (P=.03). Lower IP scores were related to lower mean scores on neuroticism/anxiety and loneliness (P<.001 for both). Women obtained a higher mean IP score than men. IP scores at the end of the school year increased significantly compared with the beginning of the year (P<.001), both in frequency and intensity of IP. Conclusions: IP was common in matriculating first-year medical students and significantly increased at year’s end. Higher IP scores were significantly associated with lower scores for self-compassion, sociability, self-esteem, and higher scores on neuroticism/anxiety.

Impostor Phenomenon in Undergraduate and Doctor of Pharmacy Students at a Small Private University

“…[4][5][6][7] Those with IP usually suffer quietly to not unmask themselves as a fraud, the topic has become more public in recent years as notables such as Natalie Portman, Sheryl calling improve. 15,16 Similar trends have been found among dental students, chiropractic students, nursing students, and veterinary practitioners. [17][18][19][20][21][22] Although studies are recognizing IP in health professions, limited studies have evaluated pharmacy students.…”

Exploring reasons for MD-PhD trainees’ experiences of impostor phenomenon

“…Resident trainees from URiM groups have reported facing additional challenges with racism, bias, micro-aggressions, and sense of “otherness” [ 70 ], which also can lead to stress and anxiety associated with impostor phenomenon. Moreover, a study of first-year medical students found that some students had surprisingly high levels of impostor phenomenon before matriculation; this study also showed that impostor phenomenon increases over the first year of medical school and that higher impostor phenomenon was associated with higher neuroticism/anxiety and loneliness, and lower self-esteem and sociability [ 71 ]. Thus, given the toll that minority-status stress has on mental health outcomes among college students, medical students and residents [ 11 – 13 , 35 , 65 , 71 ], experiencing the additional burden of impostor phenomenon that challenges URiM MD-PhD trainees to continue and thrive on their path to becoming a physician-scientist is a daunting obstacle to success.…”

“…Impostor phenomenon can be addressed, managed, and reduced through inclusive learning spaces that destigmatize and normalize conversations around fear of being ousted as a fraud. In general, new medical-school matriculants may be prone to experiencing self-doubt, low self-esteem, and impostor phenomenon [ 30 , 71 ], which could result in psychological distress and burnout, especially when individuals perceive they are at-risk of being exposed as fraud [ 30 ].…”

Association of Imposter Phenomenon and Burnout with Mode of Education among Medical Students of Pakistan

“…This is because as soon as the professional life comes closer, the students tend to become over conscious about their current ranking in order to avoid future ordeals, which may perhaps lead them towards problems with lower self-esteem, work related stress and emotional distress. 20 Mental health problems are on the surge as the pandemic of Covid-19 aggravates. The most susceptible group amongst people are the medical students who have an intrinsic sense of competitiveness, ego, and hard work.…”