Impostor Syndrome
Written by: Pooja Sutar
Edited by: Ritika Rana
The imposter syndrome is a psychological term referring to a pattern of behaviour where people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent, often internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud. Not an actual disorder, the term was coined by clinical psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978, when they found that despite having adequate external evidence of accomplishments, people with imposter syndrome remained convinced that they don’t deserve the success they have. Since then, research has shown that both men and women experience impostor feelings, and Clance published a later paper acknowledging that impostor syndrome is not limited to women. (She also created an impostor syndrome test.) Today, impostor syndrome can apply to anyone “who isn’t able to internalize and own their successes,” says psychologist Audrey Ervin. Impostor Syndrome expresses itself in an extreme lack of confidence. When you experience success you may find yourself thinking "I'm not worthy," or "I don't deserve this."Most people suffer from a lack of self-confidence at some point in their lives, but with Impostor Syndrome the feeling is constant and severe.
It is on behaviour that is guaranteed to self-sabotage your success. People suffering from this can seek out professional help and it can be cured like any other thing It is often referred to as fraud syndrome also. “Dolly Singh” one of the biggest social media influencers confessed that she is suffering from this in her Ted Talk, and battling it requires strength, courage and a lot of will power. People suffering from impostor syndrome requires a constant push from people around them. So please be careful and kind while treating people in your milieu cause one never knows what one might through is going.
The constant feeling of being a fraud is very heavy, such people need love, attention and a lot of pampering and care. Meditation and physical activities can prove to be a great help but if every day seems a journey uphill, a battle between heart and mind then seeking professional help is a must.
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