{Article Submission} Surviving Impostor Syndrome: Navigating through the Mental Roller-coaster of a Doctoral Sojourn
This is the abstract of my reflective article about impostor syndrome which I mentioned in the LANTERN web talk few days ago 🙂
It is now under review. Fingers crossed :-))
Surviving Impostor Syndrome: Navigating through the Mental Roller-coaster of a Doctoral Sojourn
Abstract
Studying overseas may offer myriad riches of extraordinary experiences, especially due to the opportunities to immerse into a different academic culture. However, for some, the difference may be a hurdle that brings them into a mental roller coaster along their study journey. In this reflective paper, against the backdrop of my overseas studies experiences, I recount my bumpy journey of battling the so-called impostor syndrome which prevented me from being productive until I found the lights at the end of the tunnel and finally found a way to move on with my journey and earned my degree. Self-appreciation and community support seemed to be the most important influences that may have led me to be free from the syndrome and to finally achieve my main objectives.
Looking forward to an update on this as the review process continues ….
Fitri’s submission prompted me to explore the origins of this term “imposter syndrome”, and as is so often the case, curiosity leads to new knowledge … apparently, the term goes back to:
Clance, P.R. & Imes S.A. (1978). “The impostor phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention.” Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice. 15(3), pp. 241–247.
I hadn’t realised that it was so closely connected to gender studies and to the psychological tendency experienced by women in particular. I had only heard it used before in relation to academic life (eg doing a doctorate) more generally.