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Category: Project

Description: This study addresses the so-called Impostor Phenomenon (IP), which refers to the tendency to perceive oneself as intellectually incompetent and to inaccurately attribute one's success to other factors such as fortunate circumstances rather than actual ability. Currently, there is growing interest in this construct, not least because of its potential negative impact on an individuals’ self-esteem and well-being - outcomes that can be linked to health- and social problems. However, there are still several unanswered questions regarding IP. Particularly, the potential factors underlying the frequently observed gender differences in IP are largely unknown. In addition, the nomological network of IP needs further consideration. In particular, it has not yet been adequately elucidated whether IP can indeed be seen as genuine self-doubt about own intellectual abilities or whether the negative self-representation of impostors is more strategically motivated, for example, to create a low expectancy base in others. The present study (N=209 participants) deals with these open questions, and thus aims to contribute to the understanding of the IP.