Imposter Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon and term used to describe the feelings of self-doubt and insecurity that can accompany success. Despite evidence to the contrary, including skills and hard work, people with imposter syndrome often feel they are unqualified or undeserving of their accomplishments. This can lead to a fear of being exposed as a fraud.
What Causes Imposter Syndrome?
Several factors can contribute to imposter syndrome, including:
• Struggles with self-efficacy: People with imposter syndrome often have difficulty believing in their own abilities. This may be due to growing up in a competitive environment where they were constantly compared to others or being told that they weren't good enough. As a result, they don't trust their own judgment and instead second-guess themselves constantly.
• Perfectionism: Many people with imposter syndrome are perfectionists. They believe that if they can do things perfectly, they'll be able to prove that they're not frauds. Of course, this is an impossible standard to live up to and only leads to frustration and disappointment.
• Neuroticism: People who tend to be anxious, insecure, and sensitive are also more likely to suffer from imposter syndrome. This is because they're more likely to dwell on their mistakes and magnify them out of proportion.
How Therapy Can Help
Imposter syndrome is a real problem that can majorly impact your life. If left unchecked, it can negatively affect your mental health and prevent you from reaching your full potential in any area of your life. One's fears of achieving success or making a mistake can make it hard to enjoy their successes and pursue new opportunities.
If you're feeling like an imposter, don't despair—you're not alone. Many high-achieving people suffer from impostor syndrome at some point in their lives.
Therapy is a tremendously helpful resource for individuals struggling with imposter syndrome. It can help by exploring the underlying causes of your impostorism and teaching healthy ways to cope with your feelings and triggers.