Where Do Imposter Feelings Come From?

Imposter feelings are persistent doubts in one’s abilities and the fear of being found a fraud, despite evidence to the contrary. But where do they come from? Is it the much worse, grown-up version of the tooth fairy? Except when she visits our houses at night, she doesn’t leave money, she leaves self-doubt and a sense of impending doom.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome originated in 1978 with Drs. Pauline R. Clance and Suzanne A. Imes, psychologists with Georgia State University. Initially focusing only on women, they suggested imposter syndrome was the manifestation of internalized social expectations. Women were regarded as less capable, so the cognitive dissonance that occurred whenever they achieved something would be resolved byContinue reading “What is Imposter Syndrome?”