Imposter syndrome — the persistent fear of being 'found out' as less capable than others believe — frequently co-occurs with and amplifies magical thinking.
The Magical Thinking-Imposter Syndrome Cycle
- Magical Thinking undermines confidence, making imposter thoughts more frequent and believable
- Imposter syndrome creates chronic self-doubt that worsens magical thinking
- Overwork and perfectionism (imposter coping strategies) deplete resources needed to manage magical thinking
Who Gets Imposter Syndrome with Magical Thinking?
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 magical thinking is also common.
Breaking the Magical Thinking-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 magical thinking