Imposter syndrome among nurses: Prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

Introduction: Impostor syndrome (IS) can lead to substantial psychological distress among nurses, with potential repercussions for both their mental well-being and the quality of care they provide. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of impostor syndrome among nurses and to identify associated risk factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among all nurses (N = 612) working at Sahloul University Hospital in Tunisia between October 2023 and May 2024. The Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), a validated 20-item instrument, was used to evaluate the presence and severity of IS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with high impostor experiences, with a p-value of < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: A total of 436 nurses participated in the study, yielding a response rate of 72.1%. The mean age of participants was 32.34 ± 10.01 years, and women constituted 61.0% of the sample. Additionally, 72.2% of respondents worked in medical departments. The mean CIPS score was 54.71 ± 12.36, indicating a moderate level of impostor syndrome. Notably, 27.1% of participants scored in the high IS range. Multivariable analysis identified two significant risk factors for high impostor experiences: being under 25 years of age (OR = 5.022; 95% CI: 2.160–11.680; p < 0.001) and working in a surgical department (OR = 2.920; 95% CI: 1.676–5.087; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: This study highlights the significant prevalence and impact of impostor syndrome among nurses. Early identification of at-risk individuals is crucial for implementing targeted interventions that reduce psychological distress and support both nurse well-being and the quality of patient care.