IMPOSTOR PHENOMENON AND ITS EFFECT ON STUDENTS SELF-ESTEEM OF A NORTH INDIAN HEALTH UNIVERSITY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Background: Psychologists Clance and Imes coined the term Impostor Phenomenon, characterised by feeling of failure and a sense of dishonesty. Self-esteem is a key prerequisite and predictor of IP. Objectives: To evaluate and explore the traits of Impostorism and Self-Esteem and its relationship with gender and academic year among dental students. Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional survey involved UG students (I - IV year), interns, postgraduate students and junior residents at Adesh University Dental School. Data was gathered using a 10-item pre-validated Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and a 20-item pre-validated Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), all of which were administered electronically.The mean age of students was 18-25 years. Analysis of the data was done with IBM-SPSS version 22. Results:The e questionnaire was sent to 350 potential study participants out of which 332 have completed and recorded data was analysed. The overall response rate was 266 (80.10 %) females and 66 (19.90 %) males. The mean IP score was highest and lowest in the final year dental students and junior residents, respectively. No significant difference was observed based on gender and between year wise IP scores. When Self-esteem was compared for study participants, it was found that greater CIPS scores were linked to lower levels of self-esteem.