Which Attributes Explain Gender Differences in Impostor Syndrome Scores in Medicine and Health Sciences Students: A Secondary Multivariate Analysis

Abstract

Impostor Syndrome (IS) is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as frauds, despite evidence of success. This study investigates gender differences in IS among 753 medical and health sciences students and graduates, using the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale. We aim to discern item-specific gender disparities in IS manifestations and develop a canonical variable that encapsulates these differences. Our findings reveal significant disparities: women display higher scores related to self-doubt and fear of failure, while specific IS aspects in men are associated with overcompensation. These insights suggest the need for gender-specific educational and clinical strategies to address IS in medicine and health sciences. By employing a multivariate analysis of variance, this study refines our understanding of how IS differently affects genders, aiding in the design of targeted interventions that can enhance well-being and professional efficacy among future healthcare professionals. Such strategies are crucial, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive environments to foster resilience in these high-stakes fields.