Imposter syndrome is a common experience that many of us hesitate to acknowledge. It stems from our unique life choices, societal conditioning, and the perceptions we hold, which shape our reality. This feeling of inadequacy often leads individuals to attribute their successes to external factors like luck or chance, rather than their own abilities. In South Asian households, particularly for women, there is a cultural expectation to downplay one's achievements and to adopt a humble demeanor, influenced by patriarchal norms. This article explores how parental influence contributes to the development of imposter syndrome in the South Asian context, highlighting the societal pressures that encourage women to minimize their accomplishments.

What is imposter syndrome? A South Asian Analysis

Imposter syndrome is the ongoing sensation of feeling inadequate, even in the face of undeniable proof of one’s skills. This experience frequently impacts high-performing individuals who credit their accomplishments to outside influences, like luck or the assistance of others, instead of acknowledging their own capabilities.

A study examining Indian college students explored the relationship between anxiety and imposter syndrome, along with potential gender differences in its occurrence. The findings revealed that 59% of participants had low anxiety levels, yet over half (52%) reported experiencing significant imposter syndrome. There was a moderate positive correlation between anxiety and imposter syndrome. Furthermore, the study found that women were more likely to experience imposter syndrome than men. The results emphasize that higher levels of imposter syndrome are associated with increased anxiety, especially among female students in academic contexts.

Impostor feelings are linked to anxiety, shame, and negative overall effects. A study by Ives (2010) explored how an orientation course affected impostor syndrome and anxiety in online graduate students. The findings indicated that while the course successfully diminished impostor feelings over time, it did not significantly reduce anxiety levels. Further investigation is necessary to develop interventions for both online and traditional graduate students to tackle the emotional challenges associated with impostor syndrome and anxiety. Considering that students come from various demographic and cultural backgrounds, understanding their distinct traits is essential for decreasing academic failure and its psychological consequences, ultimately improving the quality and effectiveness of education.

Impostor feelings have a significant impact on college students' adjustment, but they are not exclusive to young adults. Clance and her team originally researched successful women in academic and professional fields. Over the past twenty years, interest in the impostor phenomenon has increased, likely because many students and professionals can identify with these feelings. In her book on successful women and imposter syndrome, Young (2011) outlined five categories of imposter competencies: the perfectionist, the expert, the rugged individualist/soloist, the natural genius, and the superwoman/man/student. The perfectionist personality type tends to have a narrow concept of success, defined by strict standards of "perfection" and "exemplary performance."

Individuals in this group tend to set unattainable goals for themselves, leading to feelings of self-doubt and anxiety when they fall short of these expectations. They often struggle with a need for control, insisting that tasks must be done perfectly and preferring to tackle them alone. It's essential to recognize that perfectionism is distinct from the healthy pursuit of success. Some individuals believe they must possess extensive knowledge or talent to feel validated, leading them to be overly critical of themselves and feel inadequate, a sentiment that can be particularly pronounced among women. Even those who are experts may not recognize their own competence. Additionally, some believe they should excel naturally without putting in effort, feeling embarrassed if they take longer to grasp concepts, as they equate quickness with intelligence. Furthermore, some people feel they must manage everything independently, perceiving a request for help as a weakness and undervaluing collaboration, a mindset that is often more prevalent among men.

Parenting and Imposter Syndrome in South Asian Countries

Parenting style is vital to a child's development, encompassing different attitudes and authority patterns that shape their upbringing. Four primary styles have been identified: authoritative, which features high warmth and low control; overprotective, combining warmth with excessive control; authoritarian, characterized by emotional distance and strict control; and neglecting, marked by emotional detachment and a lack of guidance. Many individuals from South Asian backgrounds have faced the pressure to excel, maintain a perfect image, and modestly downplay their achievements to fit societal expectations. These varying parenting styles create distinct emotional environments that can significantly affect a child's psychological development and behavior.

People who struggle with impostor syndrome feel as though they have misled others regarding their abilities and achievements, often perceiving themselves as frauds despite clear evidence of their success. A key feature of this syndrome is the overwhelming fear of being exposed as a fraud, resulting in anxiety about their supposed competence being unmasked as a sham. Those who experience this phenomenon often credit their accomplishments to outside influences such as luck or assistance from others, instead of acknowledging their own skills or effort. Studies highlight that impostorism stems from both significant achievements and the cognitive and emotional reactions people experience regarding their successes. Key aspects of impostorism include the difficulty in recognizing one's own accomplishments, the anxiety of being exposed, and the conviction of having deceived others, all of which influence self-perception.

Conclusion

Recovering from imposter syndrome, particularly within the context of a South Asian household, is a journey that requires significant time and patience. This process is complicated by deep-rooted cultural conditioning that often emphasizes self-doubt and comparison to others. To navigate this path effectively, we must engage in deliberate and consistent efforts to recognize and celebrate our small victories, no matter how minor they may seem. It’s essential to focus on developing our individual skills and talents, while also adopting the mindset that our only true competition is ourselves. This perspective allows us to appreciate our unique journeys and accomplishments without the pressure of adhering to arbitrary timelines or societal expectations. Ultimately, healing involves understanding that personal growth is not a race, and we each have our own pace and milestones to reach along the way.

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References:

1. Ives, S. K., .The impact of an online orientation program on the impostor phenomenon, self-efficacy, and anxiety. Walden University., 2010
2. Alrayyes, S., Dar, U. F., Alrayes, M., Alghutayghit, A., & Alrayyes, N. (2020). Burnout and imposter syndrome among Saudi young adults. Saudi Medical Journal, 41(2), 189– 194. https://doi.org/10.15537/smj.2020.2.24841
3. Burnett, E. G. (1998). Family unpredictability, parental alcoholism and the development of parentification. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Georgia School of Professional Psychology, Argosy University, Atlanta.