THE IMPOSTOR PHENOMENON: RECENT RESEARCH FINDINGS REGARDING DYNAMICS, PERSONALITY AND FAMILY PATTERNS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR TREATMENT

Research on the impostor phenomenon, an experience of feeling incompetent and of having deceived others about one's abilities, is reviewed. Impostor feelings are shown to be associated with such characteristics as introversion, trait anxiety, a need to look smart to others, a propensity to sham...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Psychotherapy (Chicago, Ill.) Ill.), 1993, Vol.30 (3), p.495-501
Main Authors: LANGFORD, JOE, CLANCE, PAULINE ROSE
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Research on the impostor phenomenon, an experience of feeling incompetent and of having deceived others about one's abilities, is reviewed. Impostor feelings are shown to be associated with such characteristics as introversion, trait anxiety, a need to look smart to others, a propensity to shame, and a conflictual and non-supportive family background. The findings are discussed in terms of self psychological theory, with the impostor phenomenon seen as a result of seeking self-esteem by trying to live up to an idealized image to compensate for feelings of insecurity and self-doubt. Therapeutic approaches drawing on self psychology and cognitive therapy are suggested.
ISSN:0033-3204
1939-1536
DOI:10.1037/0033-3204.30.3.495