Burnout and imposter syndrome among Saudi young adults

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of imposter syndrome (IS) among Saudi adults and its association with burnout. Methods: Using non-probability convenience sampling, we carried out a cross-sectional analytical study among adults in Northern Saudi Arabia. Data collection toll was a self-administered questionnaire containing young imposter scale (YIS), Maslach burnout inventory (MBI) and depression, anxiety, and stress scale 21 (DASS 21). These 3 scales are valid and reliable measurement tools for measuring IS, burnout, and psychological morbidity. Results: In the study sample (n=384), imposterism was present among 222 adults (57.8%). Moderate and severe symptoms of depression were present in 217 (56.5%), symptoms of stress in 210 (54.7%), and symptoms of anxiety in 126 (32.8%). Burnout was measured in 3 domains of depersonalization, emotion exhaustion, and personal accomplishments. High degree of depersonalization was found in 221 (57.6%), higher emotional exhaustion in 246 (64.1%) while lower personal accomplishment was present in 126 (32.8%). We found statistical association between IS and gender ( p <0.01), depression ( p <0.001) stress ( p <0.001) and all 3 domains of burnout ( p <0.01). Imposter syndrome was not found associated with anxiety ( p =0.97). Young imposter scale score was associated with all the 3 domains of burnout even after controlling for depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusion: Imposter syndrome is frequent among Saudi adults and associated with all 3 burnout domains. Mental health domains like burnout, depression, stress, and anxiety were found associated with IS.

The impostor phenomenon at work: A systematic evidence‐based review, conceptual development, and agenda for future research

“…For example, in a study of IP and career development, Neureiter and Traut‐Mattausch (2016a) found that IP led to a decreased motivation to lead. Alrayyes et al (2020) found a positive relationship between IP and stress. Further, Rohrmann et al (2016) found that managers who experienced IP reported being more stressed and strained by their work.…”

Assessment of Impostor Phenomenon in Student Pharmacists and Faculty at Two Doctor of Pharmacy Programs

“…It may be hypothesized that implications of these findings could impact academic or professional success, job satisfaction, self-efficacy, work engagement, and/or propensity for burnout as individuals may work harder to "prove themselves" due to having fraudulent feelings. 19,20 However, evidence of such associations would need to be investigated and documented to draw definitive conclusions. It also may be interesting to explore how IP feelings change throughout one's academic or professional career as well as what demographic or environmental factors correlate with IP results.…”

Prevalence and correlates of imposter syndrome and self-esteem among medical students at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

“…The total score ranges from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating a higher SE. A cut-off value of <16 was used to define an individual as having low SE [ 33 ].…”