The Gender Divide in Imposter Syndrome

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Maybe you feel unprepared for your new job, even though your resume fits the job description perfectly. Or maybe you joined a workout class and believe the other participants are more fit than you, even though that’s not the case.

At some point in our lives, data shows that at least 70 percent of us will experience imposter syndrome—that nagging feeling that we are not good enough despite clear evidence to the contrary. Imposter syndrome leads people to doubt their skills, talents, and accomplishments and makes them feel as if they are deceiving others.

For decades, researchers have studied this phenomenon. Most recently a systematic review published in the journal Current Research in Behavioral Sciences takes a careful look at the gender differences in experiencing impostor syndrome.

The meta-analysis combines the data from 108 studies with more than 40,000 participants to ask the question: Does imposter syndrome affect men and women differently? The analysis includes studies from a wide variety of fields, including academia, business, and healthcare. Researchers and participants spanned North America, Europe, and Asia.

The study authors found that women consistently score higher on measures of impostor syndrome. Although the size of the difference was moderate, it was consistently present across different time periods and a variety of fields.

The analysis did find the gender difference was significantly smaller in Asia compared with Europe and North America, suggesting that cultural factors play a role in imposter syndrome.

Now that we know that imposter syndrome is common and that it’s more likely to affect women, the question is, what can you do about it?

Researchers have found evidence-based strategies to help people avoid and cope with imposter syndrome.

One strategy is to intentionally acknowledge your abilities. While humility is often valued in many cultures, too much of it can feed into imposter syndrome. By recognizing your achievements—even just to yourself or a few people you are close to—you can embrace strengths and fortify your self-esteem.

Similarly, it’s important to stop and celebrate your accomplishments when they occur. A celebration—even something as simple as texting a friend or indulging in a special treat—will help remind you of your strengths.

The take-home message: Imposter syndrome is a reality in our daily lives. And research shows it’s more common among women than among men. If you’re aware of imposter syndrome, there are steps you can take to prevent and cope with it.