This study investigates the relationship between imposter syndrome and cognitive emotion regulation strategies in a sample of 241 PhD candidates.
This study investigates the relationship between imposter syndrome and cognitive emotion regulation strategies in a sample of 241 PhD candidates. An online questionnaire was used to measure participants’ imposter thoughts, neuroticism, and their use of nine different emotion regulation strategies in the context of their PhD work. The study found that imposter syndrome was associated with a greater tendency to use maladaptive strategies like self-blame, rumination, and catastrophizing. However, it was not associated with a tendency to use adaptive strategies like putting into perspective or planning.
This article explores how PhD candidates who feel like imposters cope with their emotions. We surveyed 241 PhD candidates and found that those who strongly felt they were frauds were more likely to use unhelpful coping mechanisms. Specifically, they were more prone to blaming themselves, ruminating, and catastrophizing when faced with negative events. The study did not find that these individuals were less likely to use helpful coping strategies, such as focusing on positive things or planning how to solve problems.
The study used a convenience sample of French PhD candidates.
Eric Bonetto
bonetto@adoc-tm.com
Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Studies on the Doctorate, Adoc Talent Management, 21 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75011 Paris, France