Have you ever achieved something amazing, only to downplay your accomplishment or worry it was just a fluke? Do you compare yourself to others and feel like you come up short, even when you're successful? If these experiences sound familiar, you might be experiencing Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter Syndrome is a psychological pattern in which individuals doubt their skills, talents, or accomplishments and have a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud." However, it is not an official psychiatric diagnosis. people with imposter syndrome may struggle with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, but an individual couldn’t be diagnosed as having imposter syndrome.

An interesting observation also is that Imposter syndrome was first reported in high-achieving women in the 1970s. While imposter syndrome is still more prevalent among women, specifically women of color, men are also susceptible to developing this mindset.

It’s not always easy to spot the signs. Research shows that about 25 to 30 percent of high achievers could suffer from imposter syndrome, while 70 percent of adults may experience impostorism at least once in their lifetime. Thus, it’s more common than we think.

If you feel you may be a good candidate for impostor syndrome, take the following test and learn.

This self-assessment is designed to help you explore the feelings of impostorism. Keep in mind that there are no right or wrong answers, so be honest with yourself as you reflect on your recent experiences.

This test will give guidance on better understanding your feelings and then decide the strategies that can work for you to overcome self-doubt and be proud of your achievements!

The Test

Below you will find 20 statements, and for each one, you need to select the answer that best describes you. Then, you sum up the points and check the results.

Rarely (1 point)

Sometimes (2 points)

Often (3 points)

Almost always (4 points)

1. I worry that I will be exposed as a fraud or that people will discover I'm not as competent as they think.
2. I feel stressed before presentations or important meetings.
3. I downplay my accomplishments or dismiss the compliments I receive.
4. I have to work much harder than others to achieve the same results.
5. I compare myself to others and often feel like I fall short.
6. I find it difficult to accept praise or recognition for my work.
7. I doubt my intelligence or abilities, even when I have evidence of success.
8. I hesitate to take on new challenges for fear of failing.
9. I struggle to accept positive feedback and often expect negative criticism instead.
10. After completing a successful task, I experience relief rather than satisfaction.
11. I downplay my contributions to team projects.

1. I attribute my successes to luck rather than my abilities.
2. I downplay my knowledge or expertise, even in areas where I am qualified.
3. I celebrate the achievements of others more readily than my own.
4. I worry about being laid off or fired, even when there seems to be no reason for concern.
5. I avoid taking on leadership roles or public speaking opportunities.
6. I'm afraid to ask questions for fear of appearing incompetent.
7. I'm constantly on the verge of being "found out" as a fake.
8. I have a hard time believing in myself, even when others do.
9. I feel like a fraud in my own career or field.

Results

20-30 points:

You may experience occasional feelings associated with Imposter Syndrome, but they may not significantly impact your life.

31-50 points:

You frequently experience feelings commonly associated with Imposter Syndrome. It might be beneficial to explore these feelings further and consider seeking strategies to manage them.

51-80 points:

Imposter Syndrome could affect your self-esteem and potentially hinder your success.

In case you are struggling with impostorism, focus on your mental health condition and talk to a therapist that will help you understand the reasons of behind imposter syndrome and how to overcome it.