Imposter syndrome: Narrative review with recommendations

Abstract

The impostor "syndrome" refers to the false internal belief that one's esteemed positions and achievements are not because of their own competencies, but because of some external factor or stroke of luck and this feeling makes people feel like frauds or "impostors." Imposter syndrome is also associated with anxiety, psychological distress, and depression. Moreover the COVID-19 Pandemic has led to an increase in feelings of imposter syndrome.47% of workers around the world reported feelings of imposter syndrome since 2020.