A meta-analysis of multidimensional perfectionism and impostor phenomenon

• Perfectionism and impostor phenomenon share conceptual similarities. • A meta -analysis is provided to understand their overlap. • The constructs are distinct. • Impostor phenomenon is most related to perfectionistic concerns. A meta -analysis is provided to disentangle the relationship between perfectionism and impostor phenomenon. Following a preregistered protocol, a systematic search provided 25 studies (N = 12,141) and 42 effect sizes. Perfectionistic strivings had a small positive relationship with imposter phenomenon ( r + =.15[.07, 0.23]) and perfectionistic concerns had a large positive relationship with imposter phenomenon ( r + =.61[.55, 0.65]). In turn, perfectionistic concerns made a substantially larger contribution to the overall effect of perfectionism (β PS + β PC = 0.57[.54, 0.60]). There was also evidence that the relationship with perfectionistic concerns was larger in studies with more females. The overlap between perfectionism and impostor phenomenon appears to relate mainly to a need to appear perfect to others. Future research should examine their development and mediating and moderating factors.