Women in high-flying jobs more likely to suffer imposter syndrome than their male counterparts, research shows
Women in high-profile jobs are still much more likely than their male colleagues to fall victim to ‘imposter syndrome’, new research shows.
Women who work in academia or healthcare are at the highest risk of feeling cheated, despite being highly successful.
Female plastic surgeons are also particularly susceptible to the syndrome, but the gender differences are smaller among business people.
Researchers at the University of California came to this conclusion after analyzing more than 40 years of data from 42,000 people worldwide.
Previous research showed that the feeling of imposter syndrome among women was decreasing and that more and more women were holding top positions.
Women with high-flying jobs are more likely to suffer from imposter syndrome (Stock Image)
But the new study reports: ‘Although the claim that there is no gender difference is repeated, this study flatly contradicts it.’
Psychologists first discovered imposter syndrome in the 1970s, believing that women suffered more often than men because of social stereotypes that they were “less intelligent and less capable.”
This led women to seek other reasons for their success, such as ‘good luck’.
They think they are less intelligent or skilled than others and find it difficult to accept compliments.
Researchers say the mental health consequences include anxiety, depression, burnout and the inability to enjoy the success they have earned.
The California University findings were published in the journal Current Research in Behavioral Sciences.