Imposter Phenomenon: The Self and Stress
Honors Capstone Project
1
Advisor(s)
Dr. Kristie Payment
Dr. Jen Moore
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Paper
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Wishing Well
Start Date
21-4-2026 2:30 PM
End Date
21-4-2026 2:45 PM
Abstract
In 1978, Clance and Imes discovered what was then called imposter syndrome, which describes a set of emotions in which an individual feels as though they do not truly belong within the space that they have found success in. For capstone, research was done which aimed to investigate how this phenomenon impacts individuals in both the psychological and corresponding physiological ways, which was done through the examination of how establishing a sense of self and confidence impacts the symptomatology. One presentation dives into how individuals should strive to understand they are, and to not base their self-worth off of their performance on tasks involving work or academics. Another set of research was done regarding the small ways in which people manage the stress they face in both personal and professional settings, and highlighted potential interventions to prevent the levels of stress becoming too overwhelming and causing such heavy emotions for these individuals.
Through the use of two verbal and graphic presentations, the findings were presented in front of a general student body audience with the disclaimer that symptomology aligning with that of imposter phenomenon does not necessarily correlate to an individual having that disordered mental state. Ultimately, it can be reasonably deduced that the aspects of imposter phenomenon that facilitate these emotions, such as stress, burnout and lack of self-confidence can be mitigated or lessened through the use of daily care activities, and having a wider understanding of how to separate the work that we produce versus who we are.
Recommended Citation
Eaton, Riley N., "Imposter Phenomenon: The Self and Stress" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 14.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Papers/14
Open Access
Available to all.
Imposter Phenomenon: The Self and Stress
ONU McIntosh Center; Wishing Well
In 1978, Clance and Imes discovered what was then called imposter syndrome, which describes a set of emotions in which an individual feels as though they do not truly belong within the space that they have found success in. For capstone, research was done which aimed to investigate how this phenomenon impacts individuals in both the psychological and corresponding physiological ways, which was done through the examination of how establishing a sense of self and confidence impacts the symptomatology. One presentation dives into how individuals should strive to understand they are, and to not base their self-worth off of their performance on tasks involving work or academics. Another set of research was done regarding the small ways in which people manage the stress they face in both personal and professional settings, and highlighted potential interventions to prevent the levels of stress becoming too overwhelming and causing such heavy emotions for these individuals.
Through the use of two verbal and graphic presentations, the findings were presented in front of a general student body audience with the disclaimer that symptomology aligning with that of imposter phenomenon does not necessarily correlate to an individual having that disordered mental state. Ultimately, it can be reasonably deduced that the aspects of imposter phenomenon that facilitate these emotions, such as stress, burnout and lack of self-confidence can be mitigated or lessened through the use of daily care activities, and having a wider understanding of how to separate the work that we produce versus who we are.