Impostor syndrome is something faced by many college students, especially first generation college students. Impostor syndrome is described as “ perceived fraudulence, involves feelings of self-doubt and personal incompetence that persist despite your education, experience, and accomplishments” (https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/imposter-syndrome). This self-doubt can really begin to decrease an individual’s ability to perform their best. This can amplify the impostor syndrome, increase anxiety, and physically exhaust that person. It is a never ending cycle.
Studies show that 9 to 82% of individuals have experienced some version of impostor syndrome at some point of their life. Other studies have shown that “20% of college students experienced impostor syndrome”(https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/overcome-impostor-syndrome -college/). This isn’t an uncommon issue and it is even more common with first generation college students. There is no specific way to end this impostor syndrome. It’s something that is internalised and up to the individual themselves. It is up to the individual to believe that they have earned their place and are capable and deserving of their life.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/imposter-syndrome
https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/overcome-impostor-syndrome-college/
https://www.psypost.org/2020/01/first-generation-university-students-are-more-likely-tostruggle-with-imposter-syndrome-55207
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