EPP436 - The Prevalence of Imposter Syndrome and Its Association withPsychological Distress: A Cross-Sectional Study
EPP436
The Prevalence of Imposter Syndrome and Its Association with
Psychological Distress: A Cross-Sectional Study
A. Al-Lawati 1, A. J. Al Wahshi 1,*, T. Al Mahrouqi 2, Y. Al Mufargi 3, S. Al Shukaily 1, H. Al Aufi 1, I. Al Shehhi 1, A. A. Al Azri 4, H. Al Sinawi 2
1College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University , 2Department of Behavioral Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, 3Department of General Surgery, Medical City Hospital for Military and Security Services, 4Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
Introduction: Imposter Syndrome (IS) is characterized by persistent self-doubt and feelings of intellectual
fraudulence despite evidence of competence. It is highly prevalent among high-achieving
individuals, particularly university students. Although IS is believed to be linked with
psychological distress such as anxiety and depression, regional data from the Middle East
remain limited. Understanding this phenomenon is vital in environments driven by performance.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of IS among undergraduate students at Sultan
Qaboos University (SQU) and assess its association with depression and anxiety.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 504 stratified-randomly selected full-time
undergraduate students at SQU. Participants completed a validated online questionnaire
including the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9
(PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Statistical analyses included Pearson’s
correlation, chi-square testing, and logistic regression.
Results: IS was present in 56% of participants. CIPS scores were moderately correlated with depression
(r = 0.486, p < 0.001) and anxiety (r = 0.472, p < 0.001). Students who experienced imposter
syndrome showed a higher probability of developing depressive symptoms (χ2 = 45.63, p <
0.001, OR = 3.49) and anxiety symptoms (χ2 = 32.96, p < 0.001, OR = 2.86). Logistic
regression showed that depressive (B = 0.096, p < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (B = 0.075, p
= 0.003) were significant predictors of IS.
Conclusions: This study reveals a strong link between imposterism, depression, and anxiety among students,
underscoring the need for targeted counseling interventions and clinical recognition of the
phenomenon
Disclosure of Interest: None Declared