Imposter syndrome — the persistent fear of being 'found out' as less capable than others believe — frequently co-occurs with and amplifies coronavirus disease 2019.
The Coronavirus Disease 2019-Imposter Syndrome Cycle
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 undermines confidence, making imposter thoughts more frequent and believable
- Imposter syndrome creates chronic self-doubt that worsens coronavirus disease 2019
- Overwork and perfectionism (imposter coping strategies) deplete resources needed to manage coronavirus disease 2019
Who Gets Imposter Syndrome with Coronavirus Disease 2019?
Imposter syndrome is most common in high achievers and in people from underrepresented groups in their field. It's particularly prevalent in academic and professional contexts where coronavirus disease 2019 is also common.
Breaking the Coronavirus Disease 2019-Imposter Cycle
- Keep an evidence file: Document compliments, successes, positive feedback
- Separate feelings from facts: Feeling like an imposter doesn't make you one
- Normalize it: Imposter syndrome is nearly universal among high achievers
- Therapy: CBT effectively addresses both imposter syndrome and coronavirus disease 2019