imposter syndrome

Imposter syndrome is the persistent experience of feeling like a fraud despite objective evidence of competence or success. People with imposter syndrome often believe their achievements are the result of luck or deception, fear being "found out," and discount praise and positive feedback. It is especially common in high-achieving professionals, students, and creatives.

For trauma survivors, imposter syndrome frequently has roots in childhood dynamics where love and approval were conditional on performance, or where success was criticized, minimized, or met with envy. Healing often involves separating self-worth from output, learning to tolerate being seen as competent, and updating the inner narrative that says belonging must always be earned.