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Cited by 2,212Perfectionism, Procrastination, Anxiety StudiesPsychological Treatments and AssessmentsAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes

The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention.

Clance, Pauline Rose, Imes, Suzanne Ament·1978·Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice
DOI 10.1037/h0086006
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Abstract

The term impostor phenomenon is used to designate an internal experience of intellectual phonies, which appears to be particularly prevalent and intense among a select sample of high achieving women. Certain early family dynamics and later introjection of societal sex-role stereotyping appear to contribute significantly to the development of the impostor phenomenon. Despite outstanding academic and professional accomplishments, women who experience the imposter phenomenon persists in believing that they are really not bright and have fooled anyone who thinks otherwise. Numerous achievements, which one might expect to provide ample object evidence of superior intellectual functioning, do not appear to affect the impostor belief. Four factors, which contribute to the maintenance of impostor feelings over time, are explored. Therapeutic approaches found to be effective in helping women change the impostor self-concept are described. In the past five years we have worked in individual psychotherapy, theme-centered international groups, and college classes with over 150 highly successful women-- women who have earned PhDs in various specialties, who are respected professionals in their fields, or who are students recognized for their academic excellence. However, despite their earned degrees,

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  • The impostor phenomenon was originally studied among high-achieving White women from various professional fields and over time has been conceptualised as an internal psychological experience.

    “Coined by researchers Dr. Pauline Clance and Dr. Suzanne Imes in 1978, the impostor phenomenon (IP) describes the experience of doubting one's skills, intellect, and talents despite one's many achievements.The phenomenon was originally studied amongst high-achieving White women from various professional fields and over time has been conceptualised as an internal psychological experience.”

    From Reframing the impostor phenomenon for Black college students (2024) · cites this paper as Clance & Imes, 1978

  • In their study of 150 high-achieving women, Clance & Imes (1978) interviewed middle-to-upper class White women from various career fields, and the women described feelings of not being intelligent and feeling like they had fooled everyone around them into thinking they were.

    “In their study of 150 high-achieving women, Clance & Imes (1978) interviewed middle-to-upper class White women from various career fields, such as nursing, counseling, teaching, anthropology, law, and social work.Despite their success, the women described feelings of not being intelligent and feeling like they had fooled everyone around them into thinking they were.”

    From Reframing the impostor phenomenon for Black college students (2024) · cites this paper as Clance & Imes (1978)

  • Individuals with IP attribute their success to external factors, such as luck, charm, and having the right connections.

    “Instead of attributing their success to their own capabilities and intelligence, those with IP attribute their success to external factors, such as luck, charm, and having the right connections”

    From Reframing the impostor phenomenon for Black college students (2024) · cites this paper as Clance & Imes, 1978

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Authors
Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A.
Affiliations
Georgia State University (US)
Venue
Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice
Publisher
American Psychological Association (APA)
Published
1978
Volume
15
Issue
3
Pages
241-247
ISSN
0033-3204 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1037/h0086006
OpenAlex
W2041446304
Cited by
2,212
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 254 · 2025: 275 · 2024: 235 · 2023: 257 · 2022: 206 · 2021: 154 · 2020: 151 · 2019: 164 · 2018: 104 · 2017: 66 · 2016: 48 · 2015: 49 · 2014: 46 · 2013: 16 · 2012: 18
FWCI
0.78
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Psychotherapy (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Perfectionism, Procrastination, Anxiety Studies
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychological Treatments and Assessments
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
Keywords
impostor syndrome, high-achieving women, self-concept, gender stereotypes, introjection, family dynamics, therapeutic interventions, women in academia, professional women

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