New Evidence of Validty for the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.12804/revistas.urosario.edu.co/apl/a.14480
APL 42(2)

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Published: Mar 27, 2025
Issue: Vol. 42 No. 2 (2024): Avances en Psicología Latinoamericana 42(2)
Section Artículos


Keywords: impostor phenomenon instrument psychological test psychometry validity

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Authors

  Daniela Sacramento Zanini
Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás
  Iorhana Almeida Fernandes
Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás
  Karina da Silva Oliveira
Universidade São Francisco

Abstract

The impostor phenomenon (IP) is a psychological experience in which individuals, despite achieving professional or academic success, feel inadequate and fear being exposed as frauds. This experience is associated with various mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and burnout, as well as maladaptive behaviors like difficulty delegating tasks and self-sabotage. Despite this, there are few instruments developed to assess the phenomenon. In this study, we sought to expand the evidence of validty for the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) in the Brazilian context by examining its internal structure, reliability, and relationship with external variables. To do so, 620 individuals from diverse gender identities and regions of Brazil participated. The results of confirmatory factor analysis revealed a unidimensional structure of the CIPS, with adequate factor loadings and high internal consistency. The findings indicate a negative relationship between IP scores and well-being, and self-esteem. On the other hand, there was a positive correlation between IP and anxiety, depression, and stress. Additionally, significant differences in the experience of IP were found among gender identities. These findings corroborate previous research, highlighting the importance of IP as a relevant construct for mental health and professional performance self-assessment. The CIPS proved to be a valid and reliable measure for assessing the phenomenon in the Brazilian context, providing important insights for interventions and policies aimed at addressing IP and promoting well-being among Brazilian adults.

How to Cite
Zanini, D. S., Fernandes, I. A., & Oliveira, K. da S. (2025). New Evidence of Validty for the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale. Avances En Psicología Latinoamericana, 42(2). https://doi.org/10.12804/revistas.urosario.edu.co/apl/a.14480
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