Identification of risk factors for impostor phenomenon among healthcare professional students

To evaluate the presence of impostor phenomenon among professional healthcare students at the University of Toledo and explore associated factors.

In this cross-sectional study, eligible students completed a 39-question Qualtrics survey incorporating the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2) Screening Tool, and demographic items. A CIPS score of ≥61 indicated frequent or intense impostor phenomenon. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, and multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of impostor phenomenon, adjusting for age, program, year, gender identity, sexual orientation, and PHQ-2 and GAD-2 results. A sensitivity analysis treated total CIPS score as a continuous variable.

Of 147 healthcare professional students who initiated the survey, 139 completed the CIPS instrument. Impostor phenomenon was identified in 74.1 % (103/139) of respondents. Although bivariate analyses showed associations with anxiety, depression, and LGBTQIA identity, the adjusted logistic regression model revealed no independent predictors after controlling for confounders. The sensitivity analysis similarly found small associations. Most respondents (88.5 %) were familiar with impostor phenomenon, yet 67.6 % felt the topic was not adequately addressed within their curriculum.

Impostor phenomenon was highly prevalent among professional healthcare students, affecting individuals regardless of demographic or psychological characteristics. Findings support incorporating curricular strategies that normalize impostor experiences and promote confidence and belonging.