Imposter syndrome

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Imposter syndrome

First identified by Clance and Imes (1978) imposter syndrome refers to a psychological pattern where someone doubts their own skills and abilities and expects to be called out as an imposter.

Many social workers particularly those who are newly qualified refer to experiencing imposter syndrome (Hochman, Segev, and Shai 2022).

Newly qualified workers can feel that:

· They are surrounded by others that know more and have more experience

· They are suddenly launched into the 'real world' after years of studying with the responsibility this brings

· Registration as a qualified social worker adds pressure

· They need to always appear competent

· They need to always push to the next level and get ready for the next challenge

(Social Work Student Connect Team 2021)

The Reflective Social Worker. 2024. p.72

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I often tried to dress more maturely or adorn a fake ring just to find my own fit with my clients and to be taken seriously as a professional Social Worker. 

Much later, I learned the term was “imposter syndrome”: the experience of feeling incompetent and being afraid to be called out as a fraud. 

This term was first coined in the 1970’s by psychologists Suzanna Imes and Pauline Rose Clance, who developed this theory in relevance to women who are high-achieving yet self-abotage through doubt and overcompensation.

Because of my tendency to constantly self-reflect, I’ve identified that this could have been caused by the pursuit of perfectionism, where I set high yet unrealistic expectations, only to find out that I had to push myself to the brink of burnout to achieve them. Living in a highly driven society with high expectations could also have contributed to this feeling that I would never be good enough. In social work, this presents a greater issue: people often think of us as superheroes, as we seek to change the world.

Where Social Work Can Lead You. 2022. pp.127~128

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I am a teacher and a sports coach, and my wife had our first child a few days before the start of the school year. Taking care of a newborn — who seemed to be nocturnal — while also trying to teach and coach left me beyond overwhelmed. 

As a new father, I've struggled with imposter syndrome. It's hardd to be a good father, husband, teacher, and coach. It's been exhausting.

The UpperRoom. 2025. 3. 27