Nearly all women in technical studies struggle with impostor syndrome, even when their achievements are nothing short of impressive.
That’s what new research from Binghamton University reveals. The numbers are alarming. 97.5% of all female STEM students report at least moderate feelings of self-doubt. This has direct consequences for their happiness at work, at home, and their choice to persevere.
The 5 Key Takeaways
- Women attribute their successes to something other than their own abilities
- The fear of being ‘unmasked’ proves stronger in women with multiple marginalized identities
- This doubt is linked to a specific way of thinking about intelligence
- The consequences extend to mental health and burnout symptoms
- Social support seems to be an effective counterbalance, though more research is needed
What impostor syndrome really means
Impostor syndrome — or impostor phenomenon as it’s also called — differs from simple lack of self-confidence. It’s a persistent pattern where someone with demonstrable achievements continues to see themselves as an intellectual fraud.
Psychologist Jiyun Elizabeth Shin explains that people with impostor syndrome believe others overestimate their abilities. That fear of being exposed lingers, even as diplomas, awards, and publications pile up.
Why achievement doesn’t feel like deserving
It comes down to how people interpret their own successes. Those experiencing impostor syndrome attribute achievements to external factors: luck, timing, favorable circumstances.
This creates ongoing tension. Especially in STEM fields, where stereotypes still suggest that women lack the ‘natural intellect’ to succeed in mathematics, engineering, or physics.
Pros and cons of openness about impostor syndrome
Pros
- Reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness
- Creates space for shared experiences and support
- Helps recognize patterns in yourself and others
- Can lead to concrete coping strategies
Cons
- Risk of labeling and stigmatization
- Can shift structural problems onto the individual
- May reinforce focus on weakness rather than strength
- Can be used as an excuse by organizations to avoid making changes
The link with mental health and dropout rates
Shin’s research shows clear connections. Higher levels of impostor syndrome predict worse overall mental health, more burnout symptoms, and a greater likelihood that women consider dropping out of their studies.
The way people view intelligence also plays a role. A fixed mindsetThe belief that intelligence is innate and unchangeable. — the idea that your abilities are set in stone — actually strengthens the feeling that challenges prove you never belonged in the first place.
Why women of color are especially vulnerable
The research indicates that impostor syndrome is more common in women with multiple marginalized identities. Think of women of color, or people who are the first in their family to attend university.
The explanation lies partly in limited representation. If you rarely see someone who looks like you in a particular field, you’re constantly reinforced with the message that society doubts your abilities — which then makes it harder to internalize your own achievements.
Glossary
- Impostor syndrome: Feeling of intellectual fraud despite evidence of success
- Fixed mindset: Belief that intelligence is innate and unchangeable
- Growth mindset: Belief that abilities can be developed
- Impostor phenomenon: Scientific term for impostor syndrome
How a growth mindset makes a difference
Students who believe intelligence can grow through effort — a growth mindsetThe belief that abilities can be developed through effort and learning. — experience less impostor feelings. Setbacks then feel less like proof of incompetence.
This suggests that interventions focused on more flexible ideas about talent and development might help weaken impostor syndrome’s grip.
| Feature | Fixed mindset | Growth mindset |
| Challenges | Proof of inability | Opportunity to grow |
| Feedback | Personal attack | Valuable information |
| Others’ success | Threatening | Inspiring |
| Effort | Pointless without talent | Necessary path to mastery |
The role of social support and conversation
Although impostor syndrome is common among high achievers, people rarely talk about it. That silence deepens the feeling of isolation.
Shin emphasizes that more research is needed on effective strategies, but points out that social support may help reduce these fears. The simple act of sharing your experience can make a difference.
The biological eye-opener
Impostor syndrome activates the same brain regions as social threat and social rejection. Studies show that chronic self-doubt raises the stress hormone cortisol, which can eventually lead to increased vulnerability to anxiety disorders and depression. The brain interprets the feeling of ‘not being good enough’ literally as a form of social exclusion — with all the physiological consequences that entails.Conclusion
The picture is clear. Nearly all women in STEM studies experience feelings of intellectual fraud, even when objective measures show something entirely different.
That doubt has concrete consequences for well-being, motivation, and the choice to persist. Social support and loosening rigid ideas about intelligence seem like promising approaches, though it’s clear that structural change is needed to truly address the underlying causes — stereotypes, lack of representation, a culture of ‘natural genius.’
Verified Sources
- Psyned – Impostor syndrome: 5 tips – Explanation that it’s not an official diagnosis and practical approach.
- Holistik – Recognize impostor syndrome – Recognition points and self-care advice in understandable language.
- Intermediair – Successful women and impostor feelings – Statistics and context about women in positions and impostor feelings.
- American Psychological Association – How to overcome impostor phenomenon – Scientific explanation, prevalence, and approach.
- NCBI StatPearls – Impostor Phenomenon – Review article with definitions, prevalence, and comorbidity.
- Harvard Medical School – You belong here: shaking off impostor syndrome – Framework and leadership perspective.
- Thanks to SciTechDaily
Frequently Asked Questions
What is impostor syndrome?
It’s a persistent experience of underestimating yourself and attributing successes to luck or chance, with the fear of being ‘found out,’ despite objective evidence of competence.
How do you recognize it in yourself?
Typical signs include a constant inner critic, perfectionism, procrastination, downplaying successes, and anxiety around visibility or speaking up.
How do you deal with impostor thoughts?
Work with evidence-based thinking (write down facts), normalize by sharing with peers or mentors, set realistic standards for success, and practice ‘small wins’ that gradually strengthen your self-image.
Do women experience this more often?
Women report it regularly, partly due to socialization and context; however, recent research shows impostor feelings are more widespread and not exclusively gender-specific.
Is it an official diagnosis?
No. It’s considered a recognizable psychological phenomenon, not a disorder in diagnostic manuals; this makes it well-suited for coaching, therapy, and targeted skill-building.
