Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2025

Problem-Solving Before Instruction PS-I: A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities
Published on: September 11, 2021
Fixed mindset and imposter phenomenon: Determining the correlation and prevalence among pharmacy students
Allison M Kenneally1, Aric Schadler2, Jeff Cain3
1Department of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky Healthcare, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536, United States.
Pharmacy students experience high rates of imposter phenomenon (IP) and growth mindsets. A correlation exists between fixed mindsets and higher IP scores, informing potential interventions for student wellbeing.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Education
- Psychology in Education
- Student Wellbeing
Background:
- Imposter phenomenon (IP) and fixed vs. growth mindsets are prevalent among pharmacy students.
- Understanding these psychological factors is crucial for student support.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the prevalence of IP and mindsets in pharmacy students.
- Identify factors influencing these traits.
- Examine the correlation between mindsets and IP.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to pharmacy students (N=UK College of Pharmacy).
- Utilized Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) and Implicit Theories of Intelligence Scale (ITIS).
- Statistical analyses included descriptive and inferential methods.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of IP reported (30% moderate, 68.2% frequent/intense).
- Majority (59.6%) exhibited a growth mindset.
- Male gender associated with lower IP scores (p=.006).
- Significant negative correlation between growth mindset (lower ITIS) and IP (higher CIPS) scores (r=-0.221, P<.001).
Conclusions:
- Pharmacy students show high rates of IP and growth mindsets.
- Fixed mindsets correlate with increased imposter phenomenon.
- Findings can guide interventions to enhance student wellbeing.
Related Concept Videos
Stereotype Threat and Self-fulfilling Prophecies
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
The Placebo Effect
Fundamental Attribution Error

