Do you ever experience Imposter Syndrome?

Why women should ditch the imposter label! 

Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a growing number of women expressing feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, often attributed to what's commonly known as imposter syndrome.

But what exactly is imposter syndrome, and why might our continued use of this label be holding women back? 

What is Imposter syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is a term coined in the 1970s by psychologists and it refers to the persistent feeling of inadequacy despite a person’s evident success. It can affect all demographics, but it’s particularly pronounced among high-achieving individuals, often leading them to doubt their abilities and fear being exposed as frauds.

Is it a syndrome or a normal response to success?

A syndrome typically refers to a pattern of symptoms or abnormalities that occur together and are indicative of a specific condition or disorder. Labelling some of the feeling’s women are experiencing as a "syndrome" might be misleading because while it describes a common experience, it's not a diagnosable mental health condition like anxiety or depression. Rather, it's a natural response to situations where you perceive a gap between your internal expectations and external achievements.

A universal phenomenon?

It’s also a pretty universal phenomenon. Research shows that around 70% of people experience imposter feelings at some point in their lives, regardless of gender, age, or profession. This is certainly backed up by what I experience day to day in my work at Thresholds. But this widespread occurrence backs up my view that imposter syndrome is more of a normal psychological response to growth and new challenges rather than a clinical disorder. Framing imposter feelings as a syndrome can inadvertently pathologise a common experience. It implies that women who feel like imposters are somehow abnormal, which can exacerbate feelings of shame and isolation. In reality, imposter syndrome is a testament to ambition and the desire for growth, rather than a sign of personal deficiency.

Does society contribute to imposter feelings?

Another reason to reconsider the term "syndrome" is that it overlooks the societal and cultural factors that contribute to imposter feelings. Women, people of colour, and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds are disproportionately affected by imposter syndrome due to systemic inequalities. These can range from gender bias and stereotypes in the workplace, such as the perception women are less competent or authoritative than their male counterparts to lack of representation in leadership, unequal opportunities for advancement and societal expectations. When we label it a syndrome, we may further undermine the structural barriers that perpetuate these feelings and fail to address the root causes of gender inequality in professional settings.

So, in my mind, its essential to recognise and address the broader structural factors that perpetuate imposter syndrome while still supporting individuals in overcoming these challenges.

What's a more accurate way to understand and address these types of common yet impactful feelings?

Instead of pathologising them, it might be better to normalise and reframe as a natural part of the human experience. Recognising that most people, including successful professionals, grapple with self-doubt at times can help people feel less alone in their struggles.