Impostor phenomenon among US chiropractic students

Abstract

Objective Impostor phenomenon is expressed by feelings of self-doubt and the belief that one is unintelligent. The purpose of this research was to describe the prevalence of impostor phenomenon among students enrolled in a doctor of chiropractic program and to evaluate for any differences in the rates of impostor phenomenon between males and females. Methods We performed an anonymous cross-sectional, online survey of all students enrolled in the doctor of chiropractic program at 2 campuses of 1 chiropractic college. We reported the point prevalence of impostor phenomenon and used χ2 to evaluate the differences in impostor phenomenon among males and females. We also evaluated for between-group differences for 4 other demographic factors believed to influence impostor phenomenon. Results We received 406 survey responses (34% response rate). Impostor phenomenon was reported in 39% of students responding to our survey. Approximately 46% of all females and 32% of all males met the criteria for imposter phenomenon, and females had significantly higher rates of impostor phenomenon (p = .005). The following variables were not associated with impostor phenomenon: year in which students were enrolled; marital status; whether chiropractic was their first career; and type of clinical experience the student encountered. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that over a third of students enrolled in a doctor of chiropractic program met the criteria for impostor phenomenon, and females were significantly more likely to experience impostor phenomenon. The results from this survey are similar to those reported in other healthcare educational settings.

A Cultural Impostor? Native American Experiences of Impostor Phenomenon in STEM

“…Although impostor phenomenon is experienced across all genders, some studies suggest that women might be more likely to experience it ( Hamood, 2020 ; Rosenstein et al. , 2020 ; Kimball et al. , 2021 ), especially when marginalized through workplace violence ( Chakraverty and Rishi, 2021 ).…”

A Survey of the Prevalence of Impostor Phenomenon Among US Entry-Level Doctor of Physical Therapy Students

“…Unlike other doctorallevel professions, most PTs (69.4%) 29 and DPT students enrolled in US-based PT programs are female, 29 which may explain the higher rates of IP among DPT students compared with other health care professions. 3,7,21,22,28,30 Impostor phenomenon was initially described in high-achieving female students, and several studies demonstrate a higher prevalence in female students across multiple professions, including health care professionals. 4,7 e differences in the prevalence of IP between genders may have implications for educating students of health care professions because coping mechanisms may differ between male students and female students.…”

Impostor Phenomenon in Undergraduate and Doctor of Pharmacy Students at a Small Private University

“…15,16 Similar trends have been found among dental students, chiropractic students, nursing students, and veterinary practitioners. [17][18][19][20][21][22] Although studies are recognizing IP in health professions, limited studies have evaluated pharmacy students. The 1998 study from the Medical College of South Carolina included pharmacy students and showed a high rate of IP within a small sample.…”