Impostor Phenomenon in Undergraduate Medical Students in Islamabad: A Cross-sectional Study

Momna Warraich; Muhammad Sulaman  Akhtar; Ayesha Khalid; Hadiya Masood; Iqra Chattha; Eeshal Fatima

doi:10.63050/jpps.22.04.1055

Momna Warraich Shifa College of Medicine Islamabad https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8914-6849
Muhammad Sulaman Akhtar Shifa College of Medicine https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5524-3998
Ayesha Khalid https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6637-9904
Hadiya Masood Shifa International Hospitals Ltd., Islamabad, Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1339-4259
Iqra Chattha Shifa International Hospitals Ltd., Islamabad, Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8897-4020
Eeshal Fatima Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7103-9364

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63050/jpps.22.04.1055

Keywords: Impostor Phenomenon, Imposter Phenomenon, Health Personnel, Psychological Distress, Mental Health

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To determine the frequency of Impostor Phenomenon (IP) among undergraduate Medical Students in Islamabad and assess the variations in this Phenomenon across different academic years, genders, and residential status.
STUDY DESIGN
This study employs a cross-sectional observational design.
PLACE & DURATION OF STUDY
The study was conducted in a medical college in Islamabad in 3-month duration.
METHOD
The study employed 230 MBBS students from the first to fifth year. Study variable was measured through Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale. Data collection was done through online and in-person administration of questionnaires using convenience sampling.
RESULTS
Findings revealed a presence of IP across all academic years; first-year students scored highest on IP scale. Gender comparison showed females more prone to IP while day scholars scored higher than hostellers.
CONCLUSION
This study described the urgent need for increased awareness and targeted interventions to address the imposter phenomenon among medical students. Recognizing specific challenges related to academic years and gender allowed for tailored support mechanisms. While acknowledging study limitations, these findings advocate for broader, multi-institutional investigations.

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References

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