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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

(For other uses see Impostor (disambiguation))

The Impostor Syndrome, sometimes called Impostor Phenomenon or Fraud Syndrome, is a syndrome where sufferers are unable to internalize their accomplishments. It is not an officially recognized psychological disorder but has been the subject of numerous books and articles by psychologists and educators.

Regardless of what level of success they may have achieved in their chosen field of work or study or what external proof they may have of their competence, those with the syndrome remain convinced internally they do not deserve the success they have achieved and are actually frauds. Proof of success is dismissed as luck, timing, or as a result of deceiving others into thinking they were more intelligent and competent than they believe themselves to be.

This syndrome is thought to be particularly common among women who are successful in their given careers and is typically associated with academics. It is also widely found amongst graduate students.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] See also

• Category: Impostors
• Locus of control

[edit] References

• The Impostor Phenomenon Among High Achieving Women by Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes (1978) online copy (PDF)
• The Impostor Phenomenon: Overcoming the Fear That Haunts Your Success by Pauline Clance (1985)
• How to Feel As Bright and Capable As Everyone Seems to Think You Are by Dr. Valerie Young eBook (PDF)
• If I'm So Successful, Why Do I Feel Like a Fake: The Impostor Phenomenon by Joan C. Harvey and Cynthia Katz (1985 & 1987)
• "The Impostor Syndrome: How to Replace Self-Doubt with Self-Confidence and Train Your Brain for Success" by John Graden (2009) (http://www.JohnGraden.com)

[edit] External links

• Impostor Syndrome Information, articles and resources
• Impostor Syndrome Discussion Blog on Impostor Syndrome site
• impostor syndrome page on Talent Development Resources site
• "Feeling like a fraud," YorkU, York University alumni magazine, October 2006, p. 9.
• The Imposter Effect Measure, July 12, 2006
• The Impostor Syndrome
• Impostor syndrome BBC Radio 4, Woman's Hour, 15 Feb 2006