All Impostors Aren't Alike - Differentiating the Impostor Phenomenon.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Organizational Behavior

Background:

• The impostor phenomenon is often viewed as a singular, dysfunctional personality trait.
• Previous research has not fully explored the heterogeneity within individuals experiencing impostor feelings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the construct validity of the impostor phenomenon.
• To determine if distinct types of impostor self-concept exist based on related characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Cluster-analytic procedures were applied to a sample of 183 professionals in leadership positions with a pronounced impostor self-concept.
• The study examined differences in traits and characteristics between identified groups.

Main Results:

• Two distinct types of impostorism were identified: "true impostors" and "strategic impostors".
• "True impostors" exhibited unfavorable traits consistent with the traditional definition.
• "Strategic impostors" were largely unencumbered by self-doubt and may engage in deliberate self-presentation.

Conclusions:

• The impostor self-concept is not a homogeneous construct and can manifest in at least two distinct forms.
• The existence of "strategic impostors" suggests that impostorism is not always a dysfunctional personality style.
• Further research and therapeutic interventions should consider this distinction for a more nuanced understanding and treatment approach.