In the late 1970’s, two American psychologists, Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, described this syndrome that occurs among high achievers who are “unable to internalize and accept their success. They often attribute their accomplishments to luck rather than ability.” While Clance and Imes first thought imposter syndrome was unique to women, subsequent research has shown that men experience it as well.
- The Perfectionist: You set excessively high goals for yourself, then beat yourself up if you’re not perfect 100% of the time.
- Superwoman/man: Convinced you are a phony when everyone else is the real deal, so do more, more, more to prove you measure up.