Psychological Aspects of Impostor Syndrome

Background: Impostor Syndrome (IP) is characterized by persistent internal doubts about one’s achievements and a fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evident success. Despite external evidence of competence, individuals with IP experience a constant fear of not being "good enough." This project aims to deepen the understanding of IP by validating measurement tools such as the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), and developing and evaluating the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based workshops and web-based interventions to manage IP.

Objectives:

1. Validate CIPS: Conduct a comprehensive validation study of the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) in a Swedish context to ensure its reliability and validity. This includes translation, cultural adaptation, and analysis of the scale to accurately measure IP.

2. Develop ACT Workshops: Create and implement ACT-based workshops targeting university students and professionals, with the goal of reducing symptoms of IP. The focus of the workshops will be on increasing psychological flexibility, reducing the fear of fraudulence, and promoting a healthy self-image.

3. Web-Based Interventions: Design and test the effect of web-based interventions to provide easily accessible resources for individuals struggling with IP. These interventions will be based on ACT principles and include interactive exercises, video materials, and self-help guides.

Methodology:

• Study 1: Conduct quantitative and qualitative studies to validate CIPS, including factor analysis and interviews to explore its dimensions within the Swedish population.
• Study 2: Design a pilot study for ACT workshops, with pre- and post-measurements to assess changes in IP symptoms, psychological flexibility, and related outcomes.
• Study 3: Develop a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of web-based interventions, with comparisons against a control group and possibly other treatment forms.

Expected Results:

• Improved understanding and measurement of IP through a validated Swedish version of CIPS.
• Evidence of the effectiveness of ACT workshops and web-based interventions in reducing IP symptoms and increasing the well-being of participants.

Summary: This project seeks to contribute to the scientific understanding of Impostor Syndrome and develop practical, evidence-based interventions. By combining traditional and innovative treatment methods, we hope to reduce the negative impact that IP has on individuals' professional and academic lives.