Honors Projects

Abstract

This study looks at how imposter syndrome found in higher education students starts in high school students through guilt and perfectionism. These are two separate pathways that students may follow that can lead to symptoms of imposter syndrome that can show up in higher education. This will be explored through a discussion with high school students. They will be shown two surveys, one created by Dr. Pauline Clance, and one created by the researcher. Dr. Clance’s survey asks statements that aim at looking for symptoms of imposter syndrome in adults. The researcher created survey asks statement-based questions geared more toward students and the guilt and perfectionism pathways. The data will be analyzed to see if students recognize the difference in the two surveys, have a preference of which survey they would prefer to take, and their opinions of imposter syndrome. The analysis will be continued by asking if the students see signs of imposter syndrome in their peers, and if the culture of the school has effect on if imposter syndrome is present in high schoolers. This research will aid in deciding what survey to give to students to best support them while figuring out if high school students show signs of imposter syndrome. This research should also aid in making the connections between the pathways, imposter syndrome, and students. Once true connections are made, researchers can figure out ways to help students with these feelings. This way students can get help to support them before they feel harmful effects of imposter syndrome.

Department

Education

Major

Life Sciences and Chemistry Education

First Advisor

Julia Halo

First Advisor Department

Biological Sciences

Second Advisor

Lena Duran

Second Advisor Department

Education

Publication Date

4-7-2023

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