THE IMPOSTOR SYNDROME - AATHIKA RUFFAIDA K/ II B.Sc PSYCHOLOGY/PG DEPARMTENT OF PSYCHOLOGY/MKJC(A), VANIYAMBADI

THE IMPOSTOR SYNDROME 

“I don’t deserve this.”

“What if they find out I’m not actually that smart?”

“I just got lucky, that’s all.”

Have thoughts like these ever crossed your mind after an achievement? If yes, you’re not alone. You may be experiencing something known as Impostor Syndrome—a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their skills, talents, or accomplishments, and live in fear of being exposed as a fraud.

What Is Impostor Syndrome?

Coined in 1978 by Psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, Impostor Syndrome is the internal experience of believing you’re not as competent as others think—despite evidence of success.

Even students who top the class or win awards may feel they don’t deserve it.

Signs You Might Be Experiencing It:

You attribute success to luck, not ability

You fear being “found out” as a fraud

You set extremely high goals and feel crushed if you fall short

You constantly

Who Experiences It?

compare yourself to others

Almost everyone at some point. Especially:

High achievers

First-generation students

Women in male-dominated fields.

Students stepping into leadership roles

Even people like Maya Angelou and Albert Einstein admitted to feeling like impostors sometimes!

How to Tackle It:

1. Name it. Realizing it’s Impostor Syndrome helps you separate fact from feeling.

2. Reframe thoughts. Instead of “I got lucky,” say, “I worked hard and earned this.”

3. Keep a success journal. Write down compliments, grades, wins—small and big.

4. Talk to someone. You’ll be surprised how many people feel the same way.

Final Thought:

Success doesn’t require perfection. Growth includes struggle. You don’t have to “feel” confident to be capable.

 You belong where you are.

Your seat at the table is earned, not borrowed. 

A Blog by

Ms. AATHIKA RUFFAIDA K

II B.Sc Psychology

PG Department of Psychology

Marudhar Kesari Jain College for Women (Autonomous)

Vaniyambadi