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Imposter feelings in disturbed adolescents
A Okoth1, T Moderski, D Lester
1Center for the Study of Suicide, Blackwood, NJ 08012.
Psychological Reports
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Adolescents in a day-care program showed higher imposter phenomenon scores. These scores correlated with irrational thinking patterns, suggesting a link between impostor feelings and cognitive distortions in this population.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Development
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- The imposter phenomenon is characterized by persistent self-doubt and a fear of being exposed as a fraud.
- Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by significant psychological and social changes.
- Understanding factors contributing to the imposter phenomenon in vulnerable youth is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of the imposter phenomenon in disturbed adolescents within a day-care setting.
- To explore the relationship between imposter phenomenon scores and general irrational thinking in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 21 disturbed adolescents in a supervised day-care program was assessed.
- Participants completed the imposter scale and a measure of general irrational thinking.
- Scores were compared to those of regular high school students.
Main Results:
- Disturbed adolescents in the day-care program exhibited significantly higher imposter scale scores compared to their peers in regular high school.
- A positive association was found between imposter phenomenon scores and scores on the general irrational thinking measure.
Conclusions:
- Disturbed adolescents in supervised day-care settings may be at higher risk for experiencing the imposter phenomenon.
- Irrational thinking appears to be a potential correlate or contributing factor to imposter feelings in adolescents.
- Further research is warranted to explore causal pathways and develop effective support strategies.