Imposter syndrome is strongly linked to rigid and self-critical forms of perfectionism but shares no connection with narcissistic perfectionism. These findings provide a more nuanced understanding of how feelings of inadequacy coexist with high standards.
Imposter syndrome is strongly linked to these two types of perfectionism
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Imposter syndrome is strongly linked to these two types of perfectionism
New research indicates that the phenomenon known as **imposter syndrome is strongly linked to rigid and self-critical forms of perfectionism but shares no connection with narcissistic perfectionism. These findings provide a more nuanced understanding of how feelings of inadequacy coexist with high standards**. The study was published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences.
The data analysis revealed that overall feelings of imposterism were positively correlated with total perfectionism scores. When the researchers examined the specific subtypes, they found distinct patterns. Participants who scored high on imposterism also tended to score high on rigid perfectionism. A similar strong positive relationship was observed between imposterism and self-critical perfectionism.
A different pattern emerged regarding narcissistic perfectionism. The analysis showed no significant relationship between feelings of being an imposter and narcissistic perfectionism. This suggests that the grandiose belief in one’s own superiority does not typically coexist with the paralyzing self-doubt of imposter syndrome.
The researchers also looked at the specific components of imposterism to understand these dynamics better. They found that the tendency to discount one’s own success was negatively correlated with narcissistic perfectionism. This means that individuals who view themselves as superior are significantly less likely to minimize their achievements.
The results provide evidence that narcissistic perfectionism functions differently from other forms of perfectionism. It is characterized by self-defensiveness and self-promotion rather than the self-deprecation seen in imposterism. This distinction helps explain why some high achievers suffer from anxiety and procrastination while others maintain a robust, if sometimes unrealistic, self-view.
For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191886925005914
I can’t see how a narcissist could have imposter syndrome
This is cool science, even if it’s an”obvious” result. Anecdote: Like a lot of professionals, I struggled with what I’d call pretty typical imposter syndrome. Relatively successful in terms of title/rank, money, respect for the most part – but only recently “proved myself” by getting a big deal across the finish like. Career-defining type thing, and it felt great…and I could feel that imposter syndrome wash away almost immediately. The “perfection” I sought certainly helped me reach that level, but now I can recognize how and where I can let the foot off the pedal in some respects next time, because I don’t have the insecurity around each aspect of the thing being in some way that I erroneously expected.
My opinion is that imposter syndrome exists for most people when they succeed beyond the point which is “normal” for their family and/or peer group.
Someone born to a very wealthy family won’t feel imposter syndrome earning £100k a year, maybe even feeling like they’re failing. Someone from a working class background where nobody in their family has earned that much, or been to university, will feel imposter syndrome.
The working class person in these scenarios is also probably more likely to be a perfectionist, because that is one of the traits that will help them excel in life beyond normal expectations. A perfectionist who grows up with a total belief that they will earn big money might only start to feel imposter syndrome when they become a CEO, or other high rank etc.
It would be interesting to measure the feelings of imposter syndrome at university or in certain job roles alongside the level of success of each participant’s family/peers.
To give an extreme example, anyone except Prince William (or true Narcissists) would feel imposter syndrome if they were suddenly made the monarch of England.
This fits with the lived experience of many high achievers. People with strong internal standards often feel like frauds not because they think they are better than others, but because they think they should be flawless. The nuance here helps move the conversation forward in a useful way.