IMPOSTER PHENOMENON, SOCIAL INTERACTION ANXIETY AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY

The current study was conducted to investigate the relationship between Imposter Phenomenon, Social Interaction Anxiety and Academic Performance among young adults. It is a correlational study, based on convenience sampling of 300 young adults (n= 143 men and n=157 women) between April and June 2025, the data was collected by using Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale, a measure of Social Interaction Anxiety, and an Academic Performance Scale and all the scales had good to excellent reliability. The results showed a significant positive correlation between Imposter Phenomenon and Social Interaction Anxiety indicating the association between higher levels of Imposter Phenomenon with higher levels of Social Interaction Anxiety. Furthermore, a negative correlation between Imposter Phenomenon and Academic Performance was found, suggesting higher levels of Imposter phenomenon with lower Academic Performance. These results highlight the effects of the Imposter phenomenon on psychological and academic outcomes. As hypothesized, Imposter Phenomenon exhibited a notable positive association with Social Interaction Anxiety and negative association with Academic Performance. Regression analysis revealed Imposter Phenomenon to be a significant predictor of increased Social Interaction Anxiety and decreased Academic Performance, even after controlling for demographics. Interestingly, male respondents showed higher levels of Social Interaction Anxiety compared to females, suggesting a change in gender dynamics and increased academic stress on men. These findings align with studies that associate Imposter Phenomenon with higher levels of Social Interaction Anxiety and lower Academic Performance in Young Adults. The findings of the study can be employed in designing preventive care frames for universities or youth counseling centers, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive mental health interventions that address emotional as well as physical aspects of well-being. Keywords: Imposter Phenomenon, Social Interaction Anxiety, Academic Performance, Young Adults.