The Impact of Impostor Syndrome on Grit

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between imposter syndrome and grit in young adults with gender being a specific focus of interest. In such studies, the relationship between these two psychological constructs is examined, including whether there are reported differences in imposter syndrome and grit across genders. The study followed a cross-sectional correlational design wherein data was collected from 150 adults with an age range of between 18 and 26 years who were based mainly in India. Participants were administered validated measures that included the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale-Revised and Impostorism Scale, which assessed the various degrees of imposter syndrome and grit through established psychological tools. Data were collected employing convenience sampling. Pearson’s correlation and independent t-tests are employed to analyze the association between and variation among the variables. The analysis found a negative correlation between grit and imposter syndrome. Higher levels of grit might have been associated with lower levels of imposter syndrome. Gender difference was also exhibited wherein females experienced a higher level of imposter syndrome as compared to males. However, no significant differences in grit levels were shown as based on gender or age.