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I know from personal experience that many academics worry from time to time that they are not qualified for their jobs.
Check this thread if you want to learn more about the #ImposterSyndrome and how to deal with it.
#AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #ECRchat #postdoc
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Check this thread if you want to learn more about the #ImposterSyndrome and how to deal with it.
#AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #ECRchat #postdoc
(1/16)
Let me first clarify what the imposter syndrome/phenomenon is about:
'Impostor syndrome is a psychological pattern in which one doubts one's accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud".'
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impostor_syndrome
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'Impostor syndrome is a psychological pattern in which one doubts one's accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud".'
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impostor_syndrome
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To see the syndrome in action, check this @xkcdComic:
https://xkcd.com/1954/
This one by @PHDcomics captures it very well, I think:
http://phdcomics.com/comics.php?f=1973
(Plenty more exist. I love these jokes and gladly exchange them with my academic friends. So, please share.)
(3/16)
https://xkcd.com/1954/
This one by @PHDcomics captures it very well, I think:
http://phdcomics.com/comics.php?f=1973
(Plenty more exist. I love these jokes and gladly exchange them with my academic friends. So, please share.)
(3/16)
Now this is what is curious.
In private conversations, talented colleagues will admit imposter thoughts to me; however, they think they are the *exceptions*.
They assume, in other words, that other academics feel way more proficient and confident than themselves.
(4/16)
In private conversations, talented colleagues will admit imposter thoughts to me; however, they think they are the *exceptions*.
They assume, in other words, that other academics feel way more proficient and confident than themselves.
(4/16)
In reality, imposter concerns are *very common* among faculty. Young people may think that no else is having these feelings. But even successful scientists may sometimes feel that they are actually underperformers (I can attest to that).
https://doi.org/10.1038/nj7587-555a
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https://doi.org/10.1038/nj7587-555a
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Those on a *tenure track* report significantly higher imposter scores than tenured faculty or non-tenured faculty.
(There is no clear indication that gender plays a part in imposter tendencies.)
https://doi.org/10.1002/nha3.20098
https://doi.org/10.5860/crl12-423
https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v16i1.1936
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(There is no clear indication that gender plays a part in imposter tendencies.)
https://doi.org/10.1002/nha3.20098
https://doi.org/10.5860/crl12-423
https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v16i1.1936
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Now how come that the imposter syndrome is so prevalent in academia?
It seems that both the academic work environment *and* the personality traits of academics contribute to the development of imposter tendencies.
https://doi.org/10.1002/nha3.20098
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It seems that both the academic work environment *and* the personality traits of academics contribute to the development of imposter tendencies.
https://doi.org/10.1002/nha3.20098
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As to the environment: The “publish or perish” academic culture, where performance targets are often vague, support can be lacking, and research and funding are highly competitive lead to self-doubt and fraudulence.
https://doi.org/10.1002/nha3.20098
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https://doi.org/10.1002/nha3.20098
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As to personality: Traits like conscientiousness, achievement orientation, and perfectionistic expectations are prevalent among academics; these are all known to be associated with the imposter sydrome.
https://doi.org/10.1002/nha3.20098
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https://doi.org/10.1002/nha3.20098
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I spent some time on composing this thread because I think the topic is important, as well as worrisome. Indeed, imposter thoughts can produce ‘anxiety, heightened stress, discomfort, panic, and persistent worry’.
https://doi.org/10.1080/13678868.2016.1248205
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https://doi.org/10.1080/13678868.2016.1248205
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It is known from many studies that impostors will often exhibit workaholic behaviors leading to exhaustion and increasing their risk for burnout.
If that rings a bell, please read on.
https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v16i1.1936
(11/16)
If that rings a bell, please read on.
https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v16i1.1936
(11/16)
Now the question is what to do if you experience imposter feelings, even in a mild form. Here is my take:
1) Realize that such thoughts are really common. Talk about it with colleagues to find out. You will also see that senior academics have or had similar experiences.
(12/16)
1) Realize that such thoughts are really common. Talk about it with colleagues to find out. You will also see that senior academics have or had similar experiences.
(12/16)
Another suggestion:
2) Focus on the positive. It is always possible to see failure in success: "any grant could be larger; any job could be better; any paper could be more highly cited." Focus on your accomplishements. You did not get that PhD degree by pure luck!
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2) Focus on the positive. It is always possible to see failure in success: "any grant could be larger; any job could be better; any paper could be more highly cited." Focus on your accomplishements. You did not get that PhD degree by pure luck!
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3) Find a mentor. A mentor (i) can help you own your accomplishments and successes, and (ii) offer emotional support (seeking comfort and support) as well as instrumental support (advice, suggestions, and ideas)
https://doi.org/10.1080/13678868.2016.1248205
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https://doi.org/10.1080/13678868.2016.1248205
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Where do you find such a mentor, you may ask? If your institute does not offer such a program, look around in your scientific community. Many academics are happy to coach more junior colleagues. It is my experience that a call for advice is almost never turned down.
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(15/16)
Final thought: The activity of mentoring someone else can also be a great way to fight the imposter syndrome. It is surprising to realize what you know about the academic trade and how valuable such insights may be to others.
That really works for me.
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That really works for me.
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