Do I Belong? A Multivariable Analysis of Impostor Syndrome and Associated Factors in Female Physician Trainees

Abstract

Background: Impostor syndrome also known as impostor phenomenon is characterized by feelings of inadequacy and a fear of exposure as a fraud despite evidence of success. While the impostor syndrome has been well described, limited data exist on associated factors or intervention strategies.

Objectives: To examine the prevalence and elucidate factors associated with impostor syndrome in a national sample of female physician trainees.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Participants: A total of 1017 female trainees who volunteered to participate in a professional coaching program across 26 GME training programs in September 2022.

Main measures: A baseline survey was administered to the participants. Subgroup analyses were run for the Young Impostor Syndrome (YIS) Scale that included a univariate analysis on YIS and demographic factors. Multivariable analyses were also run on YIS (binary) with other well-being factors including burnout, self-compassion, flourishing, and moral injury.

Key results: Of the 1017 trainees enrolled in the program, 77.1% (784) completed the YIS instrument. Of those, 76.3% (598) were positive for impostor syndrome (YIS score ≥ 5). A multivariate analysis showed a strong inverse association between YIS score and Self Compassion Scale-Short Form (odds ratio [OR] = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.86-0.92), but a lack of relationship between the YIS score and other scale measures except for a positive association between the YIS score and the subcategory of burnout-related depersonalization (OR = 1.53; 95% CI, 1.01-2.23). There were also positive associations between YIS score and race, with Black (OR = 3.56; 95% CI, 1.21-13.02), and Asian (OR = 1.70; 95% CI, 1.03-2.87).

Conclusion: The study found a significant inverse relationship between self-compassion and impostor syndrome. Further research needs to be done to understand if developing and enhancing self-compassion may effectively mitigate impostor syndrome.

Keywords: female physician trainees; impostor phenomenon; impostor syndrome.