From Self-Doubt to Self-Confidence: Assessing Your Imposter Syndrome
A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Self-Doubt
This is the third page in a series of ten exploring imposter syndrome. In this piece, we will explore how to measure Imposter Syndrome and use this knowledge for personal development.
Throughout the series, we will use this definition of Imposter Syndrome
Imposter Syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent, internalised fear of being exposed as a fraud. Despite external evidence of their competence, those experiencing Imposter Syndrome remain convinced that they do not deserve their success or accolades. They may attribute their achievements to luck, timing, or deceiving others into thinking they are more intelligent and capable than they believe themselves to be. This can lead to significant stress, anxiety, and a reluctance to take on new challenges or opportunities.
The key issue is the incongruity between the individuals’ perception of their competence and worthiness versus that an objective external observer.
This page will
• Give a detailed review of the Clance Imposter Syndrome Phenomenon Scale (CIPS)
• Reference other assessment methods
• Discusses how individuals experiencing Imposter Syndrome can use this knowledge for personal development.
The Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) of Imposter Syndrome
Development and Structure
The Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) was developed by Dr Pauline Clance in the late 1970s. It was created to quantify the intensity of imposter feelings and provide a standardised method for assessing Imposter Syndrome.
The CIPS has been widely validated and is considered a reliable tool for measuring Imposter Syndrome. Studies have demonstrated its high internal consistency and test-retest reliability. It has also shown good construct validity, correlating well with related psychological constructs such as self-esteem, anxiety, and depression i.e. it does what it says on the tin.
Take a few minutes to score yourself using the CIPS. Reflect on your results
Note how true each of the following statements is for you
Not at all true – 1 point
Rarely true – 2 points
Sometimes true – 3 points
Often true – 4 points
Very true – 5 points
Consider the following 20 statements, noting on the above scale your response
1. I have often succeeded on a test or task even though I was afraid that I would not do well before I undertook the task.
2. I can give the impression that I’m more competent than I really am.
3. I avoid evaluations if possible and have a dread of others evaluating me.
4. When people praise me for something I’ve accomplished, I’m afraid I won’t be able to live up to their expectations of me in the future.
5. I sometimes think I obtained my present position or gained my present success because I happened to be in the right place at the right time or knew the right people.
6. I’m afraid people important to me may find out that I’m not as capable as they think I am.
7. I tend to remember the incidents in which I have not done my best more than those times I have done my best.
8. I rarely do a project or task as well as I’d like to do it.
9. Sometimes I feel or believe that my success in my life or in my job has been the result of some kind of error.
10. It’s hard for me to accept compliments or praise about my intelligence or accomplishments.
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11. At times, I feel my success has been due to some kind of luck.
12. I’m disappointed at times in my present accomplishments and think I should have accomplished much more.
13. Sometimes I’m afraid others will discover how much knowledge or ability I really lack.
14. I’m often afraid I may fail at a new assignment or undertaking even though I generally do well at what I attempt.
15. When I’ve succeeded at something and received recognition for my accomplishments, I have doubts that I can keep repeating that success.
16. If I receive a great deal of praise and recognition for something I’ve accomplished, I tend to discount the importance of what I’ve done.
17. I often compare my ability to those around me and think they may be more intelligent than I am.
18. I often worry about not succeeding with a project or examination, even though others around me have considerable confidence that I will do well.
19. If I’m going to receive a promotion or gain recognition of some kind, I hesitate to tell others until it is an accomplished fact.
20. I feel bad and discouraged if I’m not “the best” or at least “very special” in situations that involve achievement.
Scoring:
Total Score Range: 20 to 100
40 or less: Few imposter characteristics
41-60: Moderate imposter characteristics
61-80: Frequent imposter characteristics
81-100: Intense imposter characteristics
Reflect on your score. Does it resonate with how you feel? How does seeing that number impact you?
Other Assessment Methods
While the CIPS is the most well-known and widely used tool, several other methods have been developed to assess Imposter Syndrome. These tools offer alternative perspectives and can be used in conjunction with the CIPS for a more comprehensive evaluation.
• Harvey Imposter Phenomenon Scale (HIPS): developed by Dr. Joan Harvey, the HIPS focuses on cognitive and emotional aspects of Imposter Syndrome. It contains 14 items with responses rated on a 7-point Likert scale.
• Young Impostor Scale (YIS): was designed specifically for younger populations, such as students, the YIS assesses imposter feelings in academic settings. It contains 8 items with responses rated on a 5-point Likert scale.
• Perceived Fraudulence Scale (PFS): developed to measure perceived fraudulence, the PFS explores the cognitive and behavioural manifestations of Imposter Syndrome. It contains 25 items with responses rated on a 5-point Likert scale.
Using Imposter Syndrome Assessment for Personal Development
Understanding your score on the CIPS or any other Imposter Syndrome assessment can be the first step towards personal development and overcoming imposter feelings. Here are some practical steps you can take:
• Self-Awareness: recognising the presence and severity of imposter feelings can help you become more aware of your thought patterns and emotional responses. Reflecting on specific items where your scores are high can identify specific triggers, and areas of concern. Such triggers can be considered as limiting beliefs. See the ‘Imposter Syndrome as a Limiting Belief’ article for a deep dive in to this approach.
• Cognitive Behavioural Techniques: use cognitive restructuring to challenge and reframe negative thoughts associated with imposter feelings. My article ‘Self Help Strategies’ outlines the highly effective ABCDE approach to challenge your own thinking.
• Developing Self-Compassion: engage in self-compassion: treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Focus on progress rather than perfection and acknowledge the effort you put into achievements.
• Setting Realistic Goals: set achievable and realistic goals that align with your personal strengths and values. Celebrate small successes and progress to build your confidence.
• Mindfulness Practices: incorporate mindfulness meditation and practices to stay present and reduce anxiety. Mindfulness can help in observing imposter feelings without judgment and reducing their impact.
Conclusion
The Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) and other assessment tools provide valuable insights into the presence and severity of Imposter Syndrome. By understanding and measuring these feelings, you can take proactive steps towards personal development and overcoming imposter-related challenges. Self-awareness, cognitive behavioural techniques, self-compassion, realistic goal-setting, and mindfulness are all effective self-help strategies for managing and reducing imposter feelings, ultimately leading to greater self-confidence and fulfilment. If who would benefit from working with someone on your personal development see the article ‘How to choose the right hypnotherapist.’
Continue reading the Series to explore Imposter Syndrome in depth and build your own toolbox to sustain your well-being for the long term. Coming next in the series
• 1 – Imposter Syndrome Demystified: Unlock Your True Potential
• 2 – The Hidden Challenges of Imposter Syndrome: Understanding and Overcoming Self-Doubt
• 4 – Imposter Syndrome or Competence?
• 5 – Imposter Syndrome as a Limiting Belief
• 6 – Self-Help Strategies for Imposter Syndrome
• 7 – 20 Solution Focused questions to ask yourself
• 8 – Imposter Syndrome as an Adaptive Survival Style
• 9 – Applying the model of neurological levels to Imposter Syndrome
• 10 – Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace
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