Deconstructing imposter syndrome among BIPOC genetic counseling students: Insights from a longitudinal qualitative study

"Imposter syndrome" is a term used to describe feelings of pervasive self-doubt despite evident success. It is the lay version of "imposter phenomenon," a concept that was proposed as an explanation for why highly accomplished (mostly white and middle- to upper-class) women persisted in believing that their success was due to luck or a mistake despite evidence to the contrary. However, the experience of imposter syndrome in genetic counseling, particularly among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals, remains underexplored. This study investigates the etiologies and impacts of imposter syndrome among BIPOC genetic counseling students with the aim of elucidating how the term is used and identifying potential interventions. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 26 participants who were part of a longitudinal constructivist grounded theory study investigating the training experiences of BIPOC genetic counseling students. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we constructed themes related to self-doubt, classroom and clinical performance, identity, and disclosing imposter syndrome feelings to others. Participants described imposter syndrome as arising from concerns that they were unprepared for their training program, less qualified than their peers, or admitted by accident or due to their BIPOC identity. Some participants attributed imposter syndrome to being a BIPOC student in a predominantly white profession. Comparisons to classmates and practicing genetic counselors, academic struggles, and anxiety about clinical rotations exacerbated imposter syndrome. Our findings underscore the multifaceted nature of imposter syndrome among BIPOC genetic counseling students and the need for a multipronged approach to mitigate its harmful effects. For BIPOC students, training programs should recognize that imposter syndrome is intertwined with racial inequities within the field that position them as imposters. We propose that supportive relationships with classmates, BIPOC mentors, and other BIPOC students can reduce imposter syndrome and enhance student well-being and academic success.