Measuring the impostor phenomenon: a comparison of Clance's IP Scale and Harvey's I-P Scale

J Pers Assess. 1993 Feb;60(1):48-59. doi: 10.1207/s15327752jpa6001_3.

Abstract

Many of the discrepancies reported to date in empirical investigations of the impostor phenomenon (IP) may be due in part to (a) the use of different methods for identifying individuals suffering from this syndrome (impostors), (b) the common use of a median split procedure to classify subjects and (c) the fact that subjects in many studies were drawn from impostor-prone samples. In this study, we compared the scores of independently identified impostors and nonimpostors on two instruments designed to measure the IP: Harvey's I-P Scale and Clance's IP Scale. The results suggest that Clance's scale may be the more sensitive and reliable instrument. Cutoff score suggestions for both instruments are offered.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Achievement*
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Male
  • Personality Assessment
  • Personality Disorders / diagnosis
  • Personality Disorders / psychology
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Self Concept*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity