Upfront With Impostor ‘Syndrome’: A Workshop-Based System for Creating an Open Dialogue Concerning the Imposter Phenomenon in The Sciences.

The Impostor Phenomenon (IP), colloquially known as Impostor Syndrome, is a common experience characterized by self-doubt about one's ability or intelligence, which persists despite evidence of high achievement. Initially considered to primarily affect high-achieving women, IP is now recognized to be more broadly experienced by various populations. Self-reported levels suggest that ~70% of all people will experience impostor syndrome at some point in their lifetime. High levels of IP correlate strongly with anxiety, depression, work-life conflict, and hindrance to career progression, thus representing a potential pitfall for those progressing through scientific and academic careers. We present materials and experience-based suggestions for a workshop on IP, which addresses methods to mitigate impostor feelings at the individual, interpersonal, and community-based levels. Our workshop consists of three components: 1) a pre-workshop survey which collects anonymous data concerning IP and the extent of IP in the community of interest, 2) a workshop designed to raise awareness of IP, using the data from the survey, and to present effective interventions to address it, and 3) a breakout discussion and subsequent sharing session, addressing methods of combating IP on a personal, interpersonal, and community level. We provide a comprehensive methodology, detailed survey instruments, and workshop presentations to facilitate IP workshops for diverse populations, including undergraduate students, faculty, and administrative staff in the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Psychology. The materials address strategies for participant engagement, fostering open discussions about IP and its implications within STEM academic communities.