Key takeaways
- The imposter phenomenon was described by Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978.
- Reported rates vary widely, from about 9% to 82% across studies.
- Imposter feelings ignore evidence; a real gap shows up in evidence.
You got the job, the place on the course or the promotion. And now you are waiting for someone to tap you on the shoulder and say there has been a mistake. That feeling has a name.
What imposter syndrome is
In 1978, psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes described the “impostor phenomenon” in a group of high-achieving women who believed they were not really intelligent and had fooled everyone around them. Since then, it has been found across genders, professions and cultures. A 2020 systematic review by Dena Bravata and colleagues found reported prevalence rates ranging from about 9% to 82%, depending on the group and the measure.
It is not a formal diagnosis. It is a pattern of thinking: attributing success to luck or timing, fearing exposure and discounting praise.
The key difference
Imposter feelings persist despite evidence. A genuine skills gap shows up in evidence.
| Likely imposter feelings | Possibly a real gap |
|---|---|
| Feedback is positive, but you don’t believe it | Feedback consistently points to the same weakness |
| You meet the goals of the role | You regularly miss core requirements |
| You compare yourself to the most senior person in the room | You compare yourself to peers at your level and still fall short |
| The fear grows with each success | The worry is about a specific skill |
If it is imposter syndrome
- Keep an evidence file. Save positive feedback, results and thank-you messages. Read it before reviews.
- Name it. Saying “this is imposter syndrome” can take some of its power away.
- Talk to people you trust. You will often find they feel it too.
If it is a real gap
Good news: a specific gap is fixable. Ask for concrete feedback, find a course or mentor, and set a measurable target. Being new at something is not being a fraud.
Want to see how often these feelings show up for you? Take the Imposter Syndrome Test. If you are heading into a pay conversation, the Salary Expectation Reality Check helps you ask for what you are worth.
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