A Regression Analysis of Impostor Phenomenon and Gender and Competence Motivation

Abstract

Impostor phenomenon is a motivational construct described by an inability to internalize success, persistent self-doubt coupled with a sense of not belonging. The phenomenon is measured inconsistently, as researchers continue to use a scale based on outdated understandings of gender identity. In this thesis, I used two logistic regressions and two linear regressions to assess if a newer scale focused on competence motivation, the Self-Perception Profile for Adults is predictive of a scale historically used to measure impostor feelings of adults (Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale). I recruited a sample of undergraduates (N = 167), which is a population that tends to have high rates of impostor-like feelings. These participants took an online survey in which they responded to scales measuring impostor-like feelings along with a scale measuring competence motivation. Using the method of scoring impostor-like feelings on a continuous was most informative. Physicality, home management, sense of humor, intelligence, and global scores of the self-perception scale were predictive of the participant’s level of impostor.