The term "imposter syndrome" was coined in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, who described a pattern among high-achieving individuals who persistently feel like intellectual frauds despite clear external evidence of their competence and accomplishments.
It is not a formal clinical diagnosis listed in diagnostic manuals like the DSM, but it is a widely recognized psychological pattern discussed extensively in both academic research and popular psychology.
Common Patterns Behind the Feeling
Who Tends to Experience It
Common patterns associated with it include attributing success to luck, timing, or other people's help rather than one's own ability, along with a persistent fear of being exposed or "found out" as less capable than others perceive, often paired with perfectionism.
Research suggests the experience is not limited to any single group; studies have found it reported across genders, professions, and levels of seniority, though estimates of exactly how common it is vary widely between studies depending on how it is measured.
Sources
FAQ
Is imposter syndrome a mental illness?
No, it is not a formal clinical diagnosis, though it is a well-documented psychological pattern that can cause real distress.
Who coined the term "imposter syndrome"?
Psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes coined the term in a 1978 study.
How common is imposter syndrome?
Estimates vary widely between studies depending on how it is measured and the population studied, so no single precise figure applies universally.
About the Author
We reference American Psychological Association (APA), Harvard Business Review to explain the background and current understanding of this topic.
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