What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the feeling that you are not as competent as everyone around you thinks. It is often based on low self-esteem but is also linked to external factors, such as belonging to a minority in some way. Imposter syndrome is more common in women and minority groups.
Bluffing syndrome increases risk of fatigue
Constantly walking around with the feeling that everything you have achieved in life is thanks to luck or fortunate circumstances is psychologically stressful. It increases the risk of burnout as many people suffering from impostor syndrome take on more and more responsibilities and tasks to prove to themselves and others that they are competent and good at what they do.
Coping with imposter syndrome
Sveapsykologerna has therapists with experience in treating people with imposter syndrome. Contact us to get help.
Imposter syndrome - a woman's disease?
Imposter syndrome was first described in 1978. Two female psychologists, Pauline R. Clance and Suzanne A. Imes, had studied high-achieving women and how they viewed themselves. Their findings showed that a large proportion of women undervalued their own intelligence and competence, and they had a strong sense that others overvalued them.
Today, the phenomenon is well-studied and has been described by many people with a high reputation in their field, such as Kate Winslet and Michelle Obama. It tends to affect people who go against norms and expectations, making them a minority in this context. It is more common among high-achieving women because their skills have often led them to positions in companies where they are the only, or one of the few, women. So, in a way, it can be described as a women's disease, but it is neither a psychiatric disorder nor a diagnosis.
Bluffing syndrome only in the work context?
The feeling of being a fraud is not something that only occurs at work, it can be present in students at university or in a relationship, but as it is strongly linked to performance, it is most common for people to feel it in their professional role.
Signs that you are suffering from impostor syndrome
The main sign that you may be suffering from imposter syndrome is that you think people will find out that you are a fraud, that you don't really know what you are doing and don't have the skills to do your job. But there are other signs to look out for:
You are afraid of failing.
You find it difficult to take compliments.
You see negative feedback as proof that you are not competent enough.
You find it difficult to handle situations when you are not at your best.
Help with bluffing syndrome
Help is available to help you better manage the emotions associated with imposter syndrome. Sveapsykologerna helps you deal with imposter syndrome. Contact us and we will set up a conversation plan.
Coping with imposter syndrome
As the syndrome is neither a disease nor a psychiatric diagnosis, there is no 'cure'. It is more a matter of acquiring tools and tricks to manage the emotions and reduce their intensity.
A first step is to talk about the feelings, especially in the workplace if that is where the feeling arises. This will allow you to relieve the pressure you feel all the time, and you might realize that others are going through similar feelings.
Make sure you don't put all your focus on work, have balance in your life and don't make one part of your life determine how you feel. How you perform at work does not define your whole person.
Let go of the need for things you do to be perfect. No one is flawless and neither do you need to have that demand on you. Being wrong or doing something wrong in a situation does not take away your value as a human being.