The Digital Society School of the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences recently hosted a revealing exploration into Impostor Syndrome, a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of their competence. Often hidden behind a mask of success, those affected believe they are not as capable as others perceive, attributing their achievements to luck rather than skill. This phenomenon, although not classified as a psychiatric disorder, is rarely the subject of empirical studies, making it a compelling topic for academic inquiry.

Originally identified by psychologists Clance and Imes in 1978, Impostor Syndrome has been acknowledged by many notable figures including Albert Einstein and Maya Angelou, who despite their substantial contributions, felt undeserving of their accolades. In 2017, psychologist Pauline Rose Clance developed an “impostor scale” to quantify these experiences, which highlights the ongoing relevance and complexity of this issue.

During our sessions, participants discussed various root causes of Impostor Syndrome, tracing its origins to diverse factors such as background, race, previous experiences, and self-perception. This syndrome not only manifests in academic settings but also pervades professional environments, where achievements are often overshadowed by deep-seated self-doubt.

In light of these discussions, we are motivated to explore interventions such as bibliotherapy and cinematherapy. These approaches utilize literature and cinema, respectively, to address and alleviate the psychological burdens associated with Impostor Syndrome. Such strategies could offer therapeutic insights and relief to those struggling with these hidden fears.

Discussion Points:

1. The Role of Background and Identity: How do personal histories and societal factors contribute to the prevalence of Impostor Syndrome?

2. Mitigation through Media: Can bibliotherapy and cinematherapy offer effective tools for combating feelings of fraudulence? What other methods might be similarly beneficial?

3. Recognition vs. Reality: How does recognizing one’s achievements impact one’s perception of impostorism? Can greater external affirmation resolve the internal conflict?

This initiative seeks not only to understand the deeper implications of Impostor Syndrome but also to develop effective strategies for overcoming it. By fostering an open dialogue, we aim to deconstruct the barriers that prevent individuals from fully recognizing and embracing their success. Your insights and experiences are valuable to this discussion—please share your thoughts and join us in this intellectual exploration.

Contributed by
Dr. Sola Owolabi
The Digital Society School of the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences