The relationship between the impostor phenomenon and mental health in undergraduate students: The moderating role of self-compassion

Abstract

The impostor phenomenon (IP) refers to feelings of intellectual incompetence, despite repeated external evidence of achievement. Impostor experiences, which overlap with perfectionist tendencies, are common among university students, and have been linked to mental health. Despite these links, little research has examined how impostor feelings, perfectionism, and the negative outcomes associated with them, can be mitigated. Selfcompassion, which is associated with adaptive psychological functioning, may be a relevant coping skill that could act as a protective factor against IP and maladaptive perfectionism. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to examine whether selfcompassion acts as a moderator in the relationships between (1) IP and mental health, and (2) perfectionism and mental health. A sample of 181 undergraduates completed an online survey which included measures of IP, perfectionism, self-compassion, and mental health. Results provided mixed support for the hypotheses. First, consistent with past research, higher levels of IP and socially prescribed perfectionism were associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Second, higher levels of self-compassion were associated with lower scores on IP, socially prescribed perfectionism, depression, anxiety and stress. Contrary to predictions, the strength of the relationship between IP and mental health and between socially prescribed perfectionism and mental health was the same regardless of self-compassion levels. Using longitudinal designs, future research should involve implementing and examining the effectiveness of self-compassion programs on university campuses. Overall, the present findings are consistent with past research which supports the potential protective role of self-compassion against IP, maladaptive perfectionism, and psychological distress in university students.