Overthinking About Imposter Syndrome

In 1978, psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes published the first study on imposter syndrome—originally termed “imposter phenomenon”—about high-achieving women feeling like frauds at work… and it struck a major nerve. The study kicked off decades of frenzied discourse, programs, and merch aimed at curing women of this irrational feminine disease. Among the proposed treatments included professional development conferences, self-help books like The Imposter Cure, and power poses. Use of the term imposter syndrome has only increased, but I have questions. Like… why are these conversations so gendered? Does anyone NOT experience imposter syndrome? Is it really a diagnosable “syndrome” in the first place? And either way, how can we stop feeling this way? Psychiatrist and author of “Real Self Care” Dr. Pooja Lakshmin (@poojalakshmin) joins host Amanda (@amanda_montell) for this week’s brain-soothing discussion. - Join the "Magical Overthinkers Club" by following the pod on Instagram @magicaloverthinkers. - To access early, ad-free episodes and more, subscribe to the Magical Overthinkers Substack. - Pick up a hard copy of Amanda's book The Age of Magical Overthinking, or listen to the audiobook. - Sources: Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome - bit.ly/3SZiBhb Prevalence, Predictors, and Treatment of Impostor Syndrome - bit.ly/3ArrKbF All Imposters Aren't Alike - bit.ly/4dSrz7H A Cultural Impostor? Native American Experiences of Impostor Phenomenon in STEM - bit.ly/3SU95f9 To watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MagicalOverthinkersYouTube; Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, DM, email, or send this link to a friend: https://bit.ly/MagicalOverthinkers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices