Prevalence and Risk Factors of Impostor Syndrome among Faculty and Students at a Medical University: A Cross-sectional Study
Rajani Dube, Samreen Rafiuddin, Syed Mohammad Hussaini, Sofiya Khan, Shabil Fathah Farook, Mohamed Yehya Mohamed Mustafa, Mohammed Moin Khan, Mahek Sunil Nichlani, Subhranshu Sekhar Kar, Manjunatha Goud Bellary Kuruba, Mohamedanas Mohamed Farook PatniAbstract
Introduction:
Impostor syndrome (IS) is characterized by persistent self-doubt and fear of intellectual fraudulence despite objective evidence of competence. Although widely studied in Western academic and medical settings, limited data exists from non-Western institutions, particularly within the Middle East. Medical and health sciences environments may disproportionately foster impostor feelings due to high performance expectations, frequent evaluations, and hierarchical structures. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of IS and its associated risk factors among faculty and students in academic institutions, with the goal of informing support initiatives and interventions.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among students and faculty from all constituent colleges at of Ras Al-Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University over 6 months using the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale and coping strategies.
Results:
A total of 373 participants completed the survey, with a prevalence of 56.8%, of whom 10.1% had intense IS. Females, medical students, and the age group of 20–30 years were at higher risk of IS. Faculty and students, as well as different colleges, have individualized combination of coping strategies for IS.
Conclusions:
Prevalence of IS is high among both students and faculty in a medical academic environment, with students and female participants experiencing higher severity. Identification of associated risk factors and coping strategies underscores the importance of targeted institutional interventions to support mental well-being and academic success.