#RealTalk is part of an ongoing column for the WiB blog in conjunction with our discussion sessions in real life where we take a look at different topics in hopes of shining a light on prevalent issues in marginalized communities.
This month for our first installation of #RealTalk, we’d like to get the ball rolling by discussing something that some of us may have experienced in life but have yet to come across the proper term. Imposter syndrome, also known in the field of psychology as imposter phenomenon, can affect all kinds of people from all walks of life. It is estimated that around 70% of people will experience this at least once in their lifetime, according to an article published in the International Journal of Behavioral Science. This feeling that so many individuals identify with often goes under the radar, and we're here today to uncover a little bit about what it means to have imposter syndrome.
What is imposter syndrome?
Like the name suggests, living with imposter syndrome equates to living with the constant fear of being exposed as a fraud. It is a mental state where you believe you've accomplished all your achievements due to sheer luck, rather than with your talent or qualifications. Resulting symptoms often include anxiety, fear of failure, and dissatisfaction with life.
First identified in 1978, psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanna Imes theorized that women were uniquely affected by imposter syndrome in their paper. These days, research has shown that people, no matter their gender identity, experience imposter syndrome - but perhaps at a disproportionate rate. Women, especially women from marginalized communities are most at risk for experiencing imposter syndrome. As one of the major propellers of the syndrome has shown to be environmental factors, stereotypes and preconceived beliefs about communities of minorities over the years have been an exponent to the problem.
"When you experience systemic oppression or are directly or indirectly told your whole life that you are less-than or undeserving of success and you begin to achieve things in a way that goes against a long-standing narrative in the mind, imposter syndrome will occur." says Brian Daniel Norton, a psychotherapist and executive coach in New York, in an interview with BBC.
Why do people experience imposter syndrome?
Maureen Zappala, a former propulsion engineer for NASA turned professional speaker on the subject, explains in an interview that even at a mid-level management position, self doubt still permeated her mental state at work. "For years I thought NASA only hired me because they needed women. I felt under-qualified and in over my head...I was too afraid to ask for help because I thought if I'm really as smart as they think I am, I shouldn't need the help, and I should be able to figure this out on my own," says Zappala.
There are countless other attestations from women who have experienced similar sentiments that have been prompted by corporate culture. According to a 2019 research by Catalyst, a global nonprofit that works to accelerate women into leadership, women are less likely to be hired and promoted to manager. Especially women of colour, who hold fewer than 5% of US corporate board seats, despite being 18% of the US population. "A sense of belonging fosters confidence," says imposter syndrome expert Dr. Valerie Young in her book on the subject, The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women. "The more people who look or sound like you, the more confident you feel. And conversely, the fewer people who look or sound like you, it can and does many people impact their confidence."
There is no singular cause or factor that is conducive to imposter syndrome. Within a person’s own individuality, there are personality, family, and behavioral causes that have been theorized as primary reasons, while other believe environmental or institutionalized discrimination plays a bigger role in spurring these feelings. Stereotypes about competence in a field that is usually dominated by a single gender and/or race is an example of an environmental factor that contributes to the issue - a common example to illustrate this being women in STEM fields. Relating back to the previously stated statistic of women of colour holding leadership positions, the lack of role models for such minorities can impact whether people feel like they belong (or don't) at their work.
How do people deal with imposter syndrome?
By becoming aware and acknowledging these feelings is a helpful first step in taking a critical approach to your own thoughts. Voicing out your own feelings and thoughts with trusted peers and mentors can also help reassure your doubts and worries and help reframe your thoughts.
At the end of the day, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to address a phenomenon that has causes which seem well beyond our control. Having moments of doubt is a normal part of the human experience, and by recognizing the control your thoughts have over your actions people have been able to make a U-turn from spiralling into a vortex of self-doubt. As Dr. Valerie Young says, it's important for individuals to recognize that "They can still have an imposter moment, but not an imposter life."
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