Echoes of Doubt: Unveiling Imposter Phenomenon Among First Generation Pakistani Students

This paper aims at exploring the imposter phenomenon (IP) among first-generation college students (FGCS) inPakistan adopting a phenomenological research framework. Nine FGCS from different backgrounds wereinterviewed to investigate how social and cultural factors affect their IP experiences. The research focused onthemes of social adaptation, motivation, university friendship, and the interplay of collectivism-individualism.Findings showed that there are multiple interactions between the traditional cultural roles and the new academicsettings. Participants described IP issues when transitioning to university life, making friends, and coping withacademic stress in relation to cultural demands. However, they also demonstrated resilience and motivationdrawn from peer achievements.The study highlighted the nature and perception of IP among FGCS in Pakistan based on their culturalbackground and academic environment. The conflict between collectivist values and the less collectivist universityenvironment became an issue. However, participants’ performances were characterized by great tenacity, whichwas often fueled by family expectations and the need to set an example for other members of the community. Thisresearch helps to fill the gap in knowledge about IP in non-Western countries and provides insights for thedevelopment of appropriate interventions for FGCS in the context of Pakistan’s higher education system. Ithighlights the importance of culturally appropriate care and more research on IP’s experiences in differentcultures.