What the study found
The study found that impostor syndrome was present in both medical and non-medical female university students at The University of Faisalabad. It also found no significant relationship between impostor syndrome and self-esteem.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors suggest the findings help describe how common impostor syndrome is in these student groups and how it relates to self-esteem. They conclude there was no significant association between the two measures in this sample.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a cross-sectional study of 100 female university students recruited by convenient sampling. They used a self-administered questionnaire, the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale to measure impostor syndrome, and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale to measure self-esteem.
What worked and what didn't
Impostor syndrome was reported in 25 medical students (47.17%) and 19 non-medical students (40.43%). Low self-esteem was reported in 14 medical students (26.42%) and 17 non-medical students (36.17%), and the study reported no significant relationship between impostor syndrome and self-esteem, with p=0.994.
What to keep in mind
The summary does not describe limitations beyond the study design and sample size. The findings are based on 100 female students from one university and on convenient sampling.
Key points
- The study examined impostor syndrome and self-esteem in 100 female university students.
- Impostor syndrome was reported in both medical and non-medical students.
- Low self-esteem was also reported in both student groups.
- No significant relationship was found between impostor syndrome and self-esteem.
- The study used a cross-sectional design and self-administered scales.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Impostor syndrome was common among both student groups
- Authors:
- Ayesha Elahi, Muneeba Sohail, Maryam Safdar
- Institutions:
- Bharti Hospital, CARE Hospitals, University of Faisalabad, University of Faisalabad, University of Faisalabad
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-27
- DOI:
- 10.47391/jpma.22109
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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