In 1978, psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes published the first study on imposter syndrome—originally termed “imposter phenomenon”—about high-achieving women feeling like frauds at work… and it struck a major nerve. The study kicked off decades of frenzied discourse, programs, and merch aimed at curing women of this irrational feminine disease. Among the proposed treatments included professional development conferences, self-help books like The Imposter Cure, and power poses. Use of the term imposter syndrome has only increased, but I have questions. Like… why are these conversations so gendered? Does anyone NOT experience imposter syndrome? Is it really a diagnosable “syndrome” in the first place? And either way, how can we stop feeling this way? Psychiatrist and author of “Real Self Care” Dr. Pooja Lakshmin (@poojalakshmin) joins host Amanda (@amanda_montell) for this week’s brain-soothing discussion.

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- Sources: 

Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome - bit.ly/3SZiBhb

Prevalence, Predictors, and Treatment of Impostor Syndrome - bit.ly/3ArrKbF

All Imposters Aren't Alike - bit.ly/4dSrz7H

A Cultural Impostor? Native American Experiences of Impostor Phenomenon in STEM - bit.ly/3SU95f9

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