Imposter Syndrome: Feeling Like a Fraud Despite Success

A Hispanic woman fights against all odds, achieving her lifelong dream of becoming a surgeon. Yet, despite her impeccable performance, multiple accolades for achievement, she feels like a fraud. She experiences what we refer to in psychology as Imposter Syndrome. Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon that affects countless individuals across various domains. It is characterized by feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy, and a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evident success. Those grappling with Imposter Syndrome often don’t fit society expectations for their achievement, and experience a pervasive sense of unworthiness and anxiety.

Key Definition:

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud,” despite external evidence of their competence. This phenomenon is often accompanied by feelings of inadequacy and a lack of self-confidence. People experiencing imposter syndrome may attribute their success to luck or other external factors, rather than acknowledging their own skills and abilities.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Early research on Imposter Syndrome believed it to be primarily associated with women in medicine and academics. However, Imposter syndrome can infiltrate and impact anyone. Basically, “Imposter Syndrome is identified when an individual feels like a fraud, fears discovery, and struggles with accepting success. Their actions will usually stem from these beliefs” (Heslop et al., 2023).

Underneath, Imposter Syndrome is motivated by a bias we hold against ourselves. While we may have done everything needed to rise to where we are, some remnant of our personal beliefs about ourselves screams, “Imposter!” Perhaps, it is who our parents told us we were, or the rigid definitions that society places on certain roles. Whatever the cause, we experience deep conflict between our success and our prominently held self-image.

Rebecca Jeanmonod explains that we socially categorize, sorting individuals “into social groups, assigning status and importance on the basis of easily definable categories in automatic fashion” (Jeanmonod, 2019). In the case of Imposter Syndrome, the individual places themselves outside of the desirable category they associate with their current position. They feel like they don’t belong.

Unfortunately, a competent person may begin to doubt their ability and their doubts may impact performance functioning as a self-fulfilling prophecy.

History of Imposter Syndrome

Psychologists Suzanne Imes, PhD, and Pauline Rose Clance, PhD, coined the term Imposter Syndrome in 1978. Imes and Clance’s research stemmed from interaction with women in professional work groups. They describe these women as having “earned Ph.D.s in various specialties, who are respected professionals in their fields, or who are students recognized for their academic excellence.” However, they continue, “Despite their earned degrees, scholastic honors, high achievement on standardized tests, praise and professional recognition from colleagues and respected authorities, these women do not experience an internal sense of success. They consider themselves imposters” (Imes & Clance, 1978).

Basically, the phenomenon commonly occurs among high achievers who are unable to internalize and accept their success.

While Imposter Syndrome is well known, it is not officially classified in the DSM. As a result, there is no universally accepted definition or criteria for identifying Imposter Syndrome in current research. Therefore, it’s important for readers to review an author’s definition of the syndrome before comparing their research to other previously published reports.

Causes and Impact of Imposter Syndrome

The origins of Imposter Syndrome are multifaceted, stemming from a combination of internal and external factors. Perfectionism, early life experiences, societal expectations, and cultural influences all contribute to the development of this phenomenon. Moreover, individuals in competitive or high-achieving environments may be particularly susceptible to its effects.

Family Dynamics and the Imposter Syndrome

Imes and Clance posit that two different family dynamics contribute to women experiencing imposter syndrome in their successes.

First Group

The first group of women experiencing imposter syndrome grew up in an environment where parents and family pointed to another sibling as the bright one. Each of the women in this group, on the other hand, has been labeled as the ‘sensitive’ or the socially adept one in the family. The child combats this label by trying to prove her family wrong through obtaining outstanding grades, academic honors, and acclaim from her teachers. However, the family still attributes the greater intelligence to the ‘bright’ sibling, perhaps, even justifying their failures, attributing the poor performance to external circumstances.

The women in this group constantly seek affirmation for their external successes, confirming their intelligence. However, the child often interalizes these labels, and unconsciously believes that the family is correct.

Second Group

In this group, the family conveys to the young child that “she is superior in every way—intellect, personality, appearance, talents. There is nothing she cannot do if she wants to, and she can do it with ease.” While the praise often motivates, it also conflicts with the reality. “The child, however, begins to have experiences in which she cannot do any and everything…She feels obligated to fulfill the expectations of her family, even though she cannot keep up the act forever” (Imes & Clance, 1978).

Self Narratives

This thinking disorder suggests a conflict between reality and perceptions of self. Early in life we begin to create self narratives. These narratives become the foundation of how we perceive our true self. These narratives are not solely self composed. We discover self identity through childhood development, family interaction, and societal roles. We gather autobiographical memories that support these narratives.

These self-narratives are amazingly resilient. They resist change, even when new facts arise that dispute our self-narrative. For example, I have a small build. In elementary school, I was always one of the smallest children in the class. As an adult, I chose to become a law enforcement officer. I spent my entire career building muscle to combat my childhood narrative of being “too small.” Yet, no matter how strong I became, no matter how many pounds of muscle I added, I still felt the insecurity of being small.

Imposter Syndrome works much the same way. Society and family project theri biases onto the child. The child, much like me, may choose a career that confronts these biases. However, even when they achieve the desired goal, usually against the odds, the biases remain. The child, now an adult, has internalized the expectations, and the experience their success as a fraud.

Cognitive Dissonance, Ego Ideal, and Other Corresponding Psychological Concepts

This syndrome shares several concepts with other theories. Freud’s ego ideal suggests that perhaps there is a psychical agency that constantly measures the ego: “Constantly watches the actual ego and measures it by that ideal” (Freud, 1914). Erik Erikson wrote that “while the imagery of the ego ideal could be said to represent a set of to-be-strived-for but forever-not-quite-attainable ideal goals for the self” (Erikson, 1994).

Melvin R. Lansky and Andrew P. Morrison describe the ego ideal in slightly more detail, adding that the ego ideal part of “the superego (is) concerned with standards and aspirations. Self-conscious appraisals of ourselves that are discrepant with our aspirations, standards for lovability, and sense of competence, worthiness, and excellence generate shame— the signal of danger to social bonding (i.e., attachment) and to our own assessment of well-being with regard to our ideals” (Lansky & Morrison, 1997). 

Although a person may achieve their external aspirations, such as becoming a surgeon, the feeling states of confidence and self-satisfaction that they expected to accompany their success remain allusive. This failure in affective forecasting, perhaps, contributes to the problem. According to this theory, the psyche must contend against the cognitive dissonance between expectation and reality. From this conflict, a sense of being an imposter may emerge.

The impact of Imposter Syndrome is profound, often resulting in diminished self-esteem, compromised mental well-being, and hindered career advancement. Additionally, the reluctance to seek support or acknowledge one’s struggle further perpetuates the cycle of self-doubt and isolation.

Recognizing Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome can manifest in diverse ways, including an inability to internalize accomplishments, a deep-seated fear of falling short of expectations, and a perpetual quest for perfection. Individuals affected by Imposter Syndrome often downplay their own capabilities and hold themselves to unrealistic standards. This can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and a reluctance to pursue new opportunities due to an underlying fear of failure.

Before an individual can address the debilitating and hurtful impact of Imposter Syndrome, they first must recognize its presence.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Addressing Imposter Syndrome necessitates a multi-faceted approach that involves cultivating self-awareness, challenging negative thought patterns, and seeking support from peers, mentors, or mental health professionals. Embracing vulnerability, reframing perceived failures as opportunities for growth, and acknowledging one’s accomplishments are pivotal steps towards redefining self-worth and combating the pervasive nature of Imposter Syndrome.

The individual often defines a role from implicit social messages. The individual then compares themselves to these inaccurate stereotypes and feels like a fraud. Callie Womble Edwards explains: “These implicit messages were the result of macro-level factors such as racism, sexism, classism, and ableism. The unspoken assumption was that scholars represented social identity groups, such as those who were White, male, affluent, and able-bodied, not subordinate social identity groups, such as those who were people of color, women, poor, or disabled” (Edwards, 2019).

In overcoming the sense we are imposters, we may need to redefine the role, eliminating the inaccurate explicit messages. Doctors and scholars are not perfect. They don’t always have smooth speech and perfect families. They suffer from their own humanity, imperfections, and self-doubts, just like the rest of us.

Kirsten Weir suggests that to combat Imposter Syndrome a person should:

• Talk to mentors
• Recognize personal expertise
• Remember successes
• Realize no one is perfect
• Reframe thinking (redefine the role)
• Seek professional help (Weir, 2013).

It is important to recognize and address these feelings of being an imposter before they begin to deteriorate mental health and performance.

Associated Concepts

• System Justification Theory: This theory proposes that people have a motivation to defend and justify the status quo, including the existing social, economic, and political arrangements.
• Complementary Stereotyping: These refer to stereotypes that are positive but still reinforce traditional gender roles. While they may seem positive on the surface, they can limit individuals’ potential and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
• Role Theory: this theory seeks to explain how individuals understand and act out their social roles in society. According to this theory, each person has a set of roles that they fulfill, which are defined by a specific position or status in a social group or organization.
• Feminist Standpoint Theory: This theory argues that knowledge is socially situated and that those who are marginalized or occupy subordinate positions in society have unique perspectives and insights that are often overlooked.
• Empowerment Theory: This theory in community psychology emphasizes the importance of increasing individuals’ and communities’ control over their lives. It focuses on promoting social change and addressing power imbalances to enhance well-being and social justice.
• Self-Categorization Theory: This theory delves into how individuals perceive themselves within social groups, exploring personal and social identities, levels of abstraction, depersonalization, determinants of categorization, prototypicality, and social influence. It provides insights into leadership, autonomy, self-concept, and group dynamics within society.
• Community Psychology: This is a branch of psychology that focuses on understanding and addressing social issues, promoting well-being, and empowering individuals within the context of communities and society.

A Few Words by Psychology Fanatic

As we navigate the complexities of our professional and personal lives, it’s essential to recognize that feelings of inadequacy can intrude even in moments of significant achievement. The journey through Imposter Syndrome reveals a profound truth: success does not always equate to self-acceptance. By understanding the psychological mechanisms behind these feelings—whether stemming from familial expectations or societal pressures—we can begin to dismantle the narratives that define us as imposters. Each story shared, like that of the Hispanic woman striving to become a surgeon, serves as a reminder that many high achievers grapple with similar doubts, irrespective of their accomplishments.

Ultimately, fostering open dialogues about Imposter Syndrome is crucial for creating supportive environments where individuals feel empowered to voice their insecurities and celebrate their successes without reservation. It is through this collective acknowledgment and understanding that we can challenge harmful stereotypes and redefine what it means to be “successful.” As we confront our own inner critics and embrace vulnerability, we pave the way for authentic growth—both individually and collectively—allowing us to thrive in our respective fields while embracing our true selves free from doubt.

Last Update: February 22, 2026

References:

Clance, P., & Imes, S. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy, 15(3), 241-247. DOI: 10.1037/h0086006
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Edwards, Callie Womble (2019). Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Stereotype Threat: Reconceptualizing the Definition of a Scholar. Communications on Stochastic Analysis. DOI: 10.31390/taboo.18.1.03 (PDF).
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Erikson, Erik H. (1994) Identity and the Life Cycle. W. W. Norton & Company; Revised ed. edition.ISBN-10: 0393311325; APA Record: 1994-97386-000
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Freud, Sigmund (1914) On Narcissism: An Introduction. ISBN: 9781773237688
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Heslop, G., Bonilla-Velez, J., Faucett, E., & Cabrera-Muffly, C. (2023). Understanding and Overcoming the Psychological Barriers to Diversity: Imposter Syndrome and Stereotype Threat. Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports, 11(2), 63-70. DOI: 10.1007/s40136-023-00456-3
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Jeanmonod, Rebecca (2022). Imposter syndrome? Check your biases. Academic Emergency Medicine, 29(6), 816-817. DOI: 10.1111/acem.14473
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Lansky, Melvin R.; Morrison, Andrew. P. (1997) The Legacy of Freud’s Writings on Shame. In: Melvin R. Lansky and Andrew P. Morrison (eds.), The Widening Scope of Shame. ​Routledge; 1st edition. ISBN-10: 1317771370; DOI: 10.4324/9781315803388
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Weir, Kristen (2013). Feel like a fraud? American Psychological Association. Published: 11-2013; Accessed: 1-6-2024. Website: https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2013/11/fraud
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