Imposter phenomenon in physical therapists: A cross‐sectional observational study
Abstract Background and Aims Imposter phenomenon (IP), or perceived fraudulence, describes an ongoing fear of exposure as a fraud or imposter, despite objective successes and accomplishments. Although there is a growing interest of IP in medicine, IP in the physical therapy profession has been minim...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2024-03-01
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| Series: | Health Science Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.1953 |
| _version_ | 1797237009180262400 |
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| author | Alexandra R. Anderson Jamie LaPenna Dustin Willis Khyrah Simpson Alison H. Chang |
| author_facet | Alexandra R. Anderson Jamie LaPenna Dustin Willis Khyrah Simpson Alison H. Chang |
| author_sort | Alexandra R. Anderson |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background and Aims Imposter phenomenon (IP), or perceived fraudulence, describes an ongoing fear of exposure as a fraud or imposter, despite objective successes and accomplishments. Although there is a growing interest of IP in medicine, IP in the physical therapy profession has been minimally examined. We aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of IP among licensed physical therapists in the United States. Methods This cross‐sectional observational study utilized an online survey to assess levels of IP using the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale. We assessed degrees of emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction and collected professional and demographic information. A multivariable logistic regression model examined factors associated with IP presence. Results The mean IP score was 60.3 (SD: 15.1, range: 19–95). Fifty‐five respondents (10.7%) had low IP, 196 (38.1%) moderate, 215 (41.8%) frequent, and 48 (9.3%) intense IP. The prevalence of IP, defined as frequent or intense IP, was 51.2%. Having manager/supervisor experience (odds ratio [OR] = 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.34–0.90) was associated with a reduced odds of IP presence. Holding a bachelor's or master's degree (vs. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT); OR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.07–5.00), a history of or current mental health diagnosis (OR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.69–4.54), and emotional exhaustion (moderate vs. low: OR = 5.37, 95% CI = 2.11–13.69; high vs. low: OR = 14.13, 95% CI = 5.56–35.89) were each associated with an increased odds of IP presence. Conclusions IP is highly prevalent among licensed physical therapists. Seasoned clinicians with managerial roles seemed to be less susceptible to IP, whereas those with mental health diagnoses, emotional exhaustion, and those without a DPT degree may be more susceptible. Given its high prevalence and potential negative impact on burnout and career advancement, it is crucial to increase IP awareness and provide education on management strategies. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-24T17:12:56Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-8bef9c5e0d764933817e12a94692deb0 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2398-8835 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-24T17:12:56Z |
| publishDate | 2024-03-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Health Science Reports |
| spelling | doaj.art-8bef9c5e0d764933817e12a94692deb02024-03-28T08:36:41ZengWileyHealth Science Reports2398-88352024-03-0173n/an/a10.1002/hsr2.1953Imposter phenomenon in physical therapists: A cross‐sectional observational studyAlexandra R. Anderson0Jamie LaPenna1Dustin Willis2Khyrah Simpson3Alison H. Chang4Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago Illinois USADepartment of Physical Therapy Loyola University Medical Center Burr Ridge Illinois USADepartment of Physical Therapy, West Coast University Center for Graduate Studies Los Angeles California USAKGS Consulting Washington District of Columbia USADepartment of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago Illinois USAAbstract Background and Aims Imposter phenomenon (IP), or perceived fraudulence, describes an ongoing fear of exposure as a fraud or imposter, despite objective successes and accomplishments. Although there is a growing interest of IP in medicine, IP in the physical therapy profession has been minimally examined. We aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of IP among licensed physical therapists in the United States. Methods This cross‐sectional observational study utilized an online survey to assess levels of IP using the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale. We assessed degrees of emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction and collected professional and demographic information. A multivariable logistic regression model examined factors associated with IP presence. Results The mean IP score was 60.3 (SD: 15.1, range: 19–95). Fifty‐five respondents (10.7%) had low IP, 196 (38.1%) moderate, 215 (41.8%) frequent, and 48 (9.3%) intense IP. The prevalence of IP, defined as frequent or intense IP, was 51.2%. Having manager/supervisor experience (odds ratio [OR] = 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.34–0.90) was associated with a reduced odds of IP presence. Holding a bachelor's or master's degree (vs. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT); OR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.07–5.00), a history of or current mental health diagnosis (OR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.69–4.54), and emotional exhaustion (moderate vs. low: OR = 5.37, 95% CI = 2.11–13.69; high vs. low: OR = 14.13, 95% CI = 5.56–35.89) were each associated with an increased odds of IP presence. Conclusions IP is highly prevalent among licensed physical therapists. Seasoned clinicians with managerial roles seemed to be less susceptible to IP, whereas those with mental health diagnoses, emotional exhaustion, and those without a DPT degree may be more susceptible. Given its high prevalence and potential negative impact on burnout and career advancement, it is crucial to increase IP awareness and provide education on management strategies.https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.1953burnoutimposter phenomenonjob satisfactionphysical therapy |
| spellingShingle | Alexandra R. Anderson Jamie LaPenna Dustin Willis Khyrah Simpson Alison H. Chang Imposter phenomenon in physical therapists: A cross‐sectional observational study Health Science Reports burnout imposter phenomenon job satisfaction physical therapy |
| title | Imposter phenomenon in physical therapists: A cross‐sectional observational study |
| title_full | Imposter phenomenon in physical therapists: A cross‐sectional observational study |
| title_fullStr | Imposter phenomenon in physical therapists: A cross‐sectional observational study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Imposter phenomenon in physical therapists: A cross‐sectional observational study |
| title_short | Imposter phenomenon in physical therapists: A cross‐sectional observational study |
| title_sort | imposter phenomenon in physical therapists a cross sectional observational study |
| topic | burnout imposter phenomenon job satisfaction physical therapy |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.1953 |
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