What is Imposter Syndrome: Types, Impact, Examples

imposter syndrome meaning

Impostor syndrome is the internal belief that you’re not as capable as people think and that you’re being a fraud.

While it’s a “Impostor syndrome,” it is not a mental illness that can be diagnosed. The term is typically used to describe intelligence and accomplishment; however, it can also be linked to perfectionists and the social setting.

Put imposter syndrome is the feeling that you are an imposter in a particular part of your life regardless of the success you’ve achieved in the area.

The psychologists Suzanna Imes, as well as Pauline Rose Clance first used this phrase around the time of the 1970s.

overcoming imposter syndrome

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Different Types of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is divided into five fundamental types:

#1. The Perfectionist

The imposter condition is the belief that you can be better even if you’re flawless.

You are viewed as an imposter since your perfectionist traits cause you to believe that you’re not exceptionally as talented as you think others are.

#2. The Expert

The expert is viewed as untruthful because they don’t have all the information needed to be aware of a specific area or subject or haven’t understood each step in a procedure.

Because there’s always more to be learned, it doesn’t seem like they’ve earned the status as an “expert.”

#3. The Natural Genius

In this kind of imposter syndrome, you might feel like an imposter simply because you don’t believe you’re naturally competent or skilled.

You are viewed as an imposter if you fail to master an idea right the first time or take longer to learn a new skill.

#4. The Soloist

You may also be a victim if you need assistance to achieve an appropriate level or position. Because you couldn’t achieve it by yourself, you doubt your skills or ability.

#5. The Super person

Imposter syndrome is when you believe you have to be the most efficient worker or achieve the highest level of accomplishment achievable. If you do not, you’re an imposter.

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The characteristics of Imposter Syndrome

imposter syndrome types

The most common signs of imposter syndrome comprise:

  • Inability to accurately determine your level of competence and abilities
  • The success you have achieved is due to external influences
  • Your performance should be praised.
  • Be afraid that you won’t live up to your expectations
  • Overachieving
  • Sabotage your success
  • Self-doubt
  • Making challenging goals and then feeling dissatisfied when you don’t meet them.

Effect of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome Effects

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For some, the impostor’s syndrome can drive motivation to be successful. However, this is usually at the expense of being constantly anxious.

It is possible to over-prepare or put in more effort than you need to, for example, to “make sure” that nobody discovers you’re an impostor. In the end, anxiety increases and can cause depression.

It creates an endless cycle in which you think you were able to make the class because you spent the entire night practising.

Or, you believe that the only reason you could get through that celebration or family gathering was that you jotted down specifics about each guest always to have suggestions for small talk.

The impostor’s problem is that your sensation of succeeding in something doesn’t alter your views. A thought lingers in your mind, “What gives me the right to be here?”

The more accomplishments you make your goals, the more you feel like you’re a fraud. It’s like you are unable to think about your success and successes.

This is understandable in terms of anxiety about social situations. If you were given early signals that you weren’t performing well in performance or social settings.

Your assumptions about yourself are so firm that they aren’t changing, even when the evidence is against the contrary. The idea is that if you’re doing well, it’s an outcome of luck.

Illustrations of Imposter Syndrome

Illustrations of Imposter Syndrome

To understand imposter syndrome, looking at what it appears like in daily life can be helpful. Here are a few instances of how to suffer from imposter syndrome:

You’ve worked in a particular position for a while, yet, when people call you by your official title, you feel like you’re being a fraud since you’ve never achieved the position.

You’ve launched your own company, but you’re not keen on promoting yourself since you do not have the same expertise or experience as other professionals in your field, making you feel like you’re an outcast.

You’ve been nominated to receive an award. However, you feel unrepresentative at the award ceremony because you don’t believe your accomplishments are worthy enough to merit the nomination.

The Signs of Imposter Syndrome

Signs of Imposter Syndrome

Although impostor syndrome isn’t a mental health condition recognized according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it is pretty standard.

Around 70% of the population will experience at least one instance of this disorder.

If you are wondering if you may have Imposter Syndrome, try asking yourself these questions:

  • Do you ponder over the minor flaws or errors in your project?
  • Do you believe your success is due to luck or other external influences?
  • Are you tolerant of even constructive criticism?
  • Do you think you’ll be found out as a fraud?
  • Do you minimize your skills, even in fields where you’re superior to others?

Imposter Syndrome: Causes Imposter Syndrome

In the initial research, scientists discovered that imposter syndrome was linked to factors like family dynamics in the beginning and gender stereotypes.

Further research has demonstrated, however, that the condition occurs across all people, ages, and genders.

Family Education

Research suggests that the upbringing of children and family dynamics could be significant factors in imposter syndrome.

Exceptionally, parenting practices characterized as being overprotective or controlling can contribute to the development of imposter syndrome among children.

For example, you could have been born into an environment that valued success. You may also have parents who went between giving praise and expressing criticism.

Research suggests that those from families prone to conflict but with little support could be more likely to suffer from imposter syndrome.

New School or Work Opportunities

It is also known that stepping into any new position can trigger impostor syndrome. For instance, starting college may make you feel like you’re not a part of the group and not competent.

It is also possible to experience similar feelings when you start an entirely new job. Imposter syndrome seems more common in people who go through changes and are trying new activities.

The pressure to succeed and be successful, along with a lack of knowledge, could trigger feelings of feeling inadequate within these new roles and environments.

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By Steve Austin

I am Steve Austin, administrator of CRECSO and, FitNEWSUK The News Magazine. Contact me at shareifitness@gmail.com to publish your post or any kind of advertisement on our blog.