Imposter syndrome could affect minority college students

Madison Rexroat

Minorities in a college environment can often feel insecure for various reasons, but a new study claims that a phenomenon called imposter syndrome can account for feelings of anxiety or depression in students. Imposter syndrome is defined as feeling incompetent or unsuccessful despite one’s accomplishments.

Imposter syndrome was first observed in 1978 when a study found that accomplished women in the workplace often felt like “frauds.” That study inspired the more recent study, which observed imposter syndrome in college students, particularly minorities like African American, Asian American and Latino American students.

The study found that high imposter feelings among minority students were positively correlated with anxiety and depression. This is often a result of racial stereotypes and the belief that minorities are only allowed accomplishments because of affirmative action, even if one’s accomplishments are truly their own.

To read the full article by USA Today College, click here.