Journal of Mental Health Nursing & Statistics

IMPOSTER SYNDROME AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH SELF EFFICACY AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS – ACROSS SECTIONAL ANALYTICAL STUDY AT SELECTED COLLEGES IN ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, KERALA

Dr Starmine C1*, Mrs Jiji K S2, Keerthana Biju3, Krishnendhu K R4, Lakshmi Priya P T5, Lena Binoy6, Linda Sara John7

starsujin6pearl@gmail.com

mposter syndrome, Self efficacy, College students, Mental health, Academic wellbeing.

Imposter syndrome has a widespread impact on individual’s mental health and overall wellbeing. It is increasingly relevant among college students who are particularly vulnerable to self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. The study was undertaken to assess the relationship between Imposter syndrome and self-efficacy among college students, to determine the association between Imposter syndrome and self-efficacy, and to identify the association of Imposter syndrome and self-efficacy with selected socio-demographic variables. A quantitative cross-sectional analytical design was adopted. Using convenience sampling, 132 college students were selected for the study. Sociodemographic proforma, Self-structured Imposter Syndrome Assessment Scale, and the General SelfEfficacy (GSE) Scale were used to collect the data. Findings of the study revealed a weak negative correlation between Imposter syndrome and selfefficacy (? = -0.048). A significant association was found between Imposter syndrome and family size (p = 0.022), year of study (p = 0.033), extracurricular activities (p = 0.023), and experience of anxiety (p = 0.017). Self-efficacy was also found to have a significant association with extracurricular activities (p = 0.040). None of the other socio-demographic variables showed a significant association with Imposter syndrome and self-efficacy. The study concluded that Imposter syndrome has a weak negative relationship with self-efficacy. Early identification and management through routine screening, counselling, and academic support services are essential to reduce feelings of inadequacy, enhance student’s confidence, and promote academic success and wellbeing.