Self-esteem and Impostor Syndrome among University Students

Abstract

The aim of this study is to understand the relationship between Impostor syndrome and self-esteem. Impostor syndrome can affect anyone, regardless of job or social status, but high-achieving individuals often experience it. Imposter syndrome is the experience of feeling like a phony—you feel as though at any moment you are going to be found out as a fraud—like you don't belong where you are, and you only got there through dumb luck. Even when the person achieves an important milestone, they may be unable to recognize their accomplishments. Thus, it may be possible that Impostor syndrome may cause to have low self-esteem. The study was conducted on a sample of 100 college students within the age group 18-24 comprising of 50 males and 50 females from Delhi NCR. Impostor Syndrome Questionnaire and Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale was administered. Using Pearson Correlation, it was found out that a positive correlation exists between Imposter syndrome and self-esteem.