Towards Owning Accomplishments: The Relationship Between Self-Esteem, Locus of Control and Imposter Syndrome Among Undergraduate University Students

Abstract

The purpose of this research work is to study and understand the possible relationship two phenomenon’s namely- Self-Esteem and Locus of Control – have with the Imposter Syndrome generated in undergraduate university students in India. This undergraduate student study will allow practitioners working with college students to properly address issues concerning self-imposed negativity resulting from the impostor syndrome by dealing with the factors that might be influencing these feelings. The objectives of the research are to understand the prevalence of Imposter Syndrome in undergraduate university students, to understand the relationship between Self-esteem and Imposter Syndrome, to understand the relationship between Locus of Control and Imposter Syndrome and to understand the relationship between Self-esteem and Locus of Control in undergraduate university students in India. The said dimensions are measured using the Clance IP Scale, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and Rotter’s I-E Locus of Control Scale. From the results of the study, all three hypothesis- 1. Imposter Syndrome will be prevalent in undergraduate university students in India; 2. Self-Esteem and Locus of Control will be significantly correlated to the Imposter feelings in undergraduate university students in India; and 3. Self-esteem will be significantly correlated to Locus of Control in undergraduate university students in India- are proven to be true.