More about imposter syndrome
Posted on: 26/Feb/2016 9:47:12 AM
A psychological condition called imposter syndrome which was first written about in a study in 1978 is back in the limelight. This is a debilitating phenomenon in which a person believes that they are actually incompetent, unintelligent and lazy. People suffering from this condition are convinced that they are faking heir way through their accomplishments, and that they will be found out one day. According to the 1978 study, those who struggle with it maintain a strong belief that they are not intelligent; in fact they are convinced that they have fooled anyone who thinks otherwise.
The most common symptom of imposter syndrome is negative self talk. Other symptoms are the need to constantly check and re check work, shying away from any attention at the workplace and over compensating at work or home.
Says a Manhattan based psychologist, Those struggling with imposter syndrome also tend to attribute success to luck rather than merit and hard work, and also generally tend to minimise success. From the beginning, imposter syndrome has been primarily associated with women. We`re still living in a culture which displays varying degrees of misogynistic attitudes, and those attitudes are definitely displayed in the workplace. When women internalise these attitudes, it dents their professional self-esteem and widens the gap that imposter syndrome slips right through.
However, many men are also affected by imposter syndrome. Say experts, The obsession with success and celebrity that pervades American culture likely exacerbates imposter syndrome. When these kinds of values are glamorised and exalted, the importance of having - or not having - them can really be intensified.
Therapy is the best way to handle these situations. Experts say, (We) recommend cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and correcting faulty thinking and belief patterns like identifying negative thoughts and reality-checking beliefs. (We) also recommend talking with trusted friends or professional colleagues. If you can find a mentor in your field who understands the unique demands of your job, that might be even better. Imposter syndrome thrives on isolation.
Finding the right workplace culture is also key. Any culture that doesn`t normalise the anxiety and identity challenges of beginning a new career or working in a high-pressure job will be a breeding ground for imposter syndrome.
