Adults’ Empathy and Experiences with and Perceptions of Imposter Syndrome
Session Title
Poster Session 2
Faculty Mentor
Merry Sleigh, Ph.D.
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Psychology
Abstract
We sought to better understand adults’ perceptions of highly educated women, varying in race, who were either overtly or indirectly described as experiencing imposter syndrome. We hypothesized that adults would perceive Black women as experiencing imposter syndrome but would report less empathy, matching adults’ implicitly biased expectations shown in previous research. Participants (n = 100) had a mean age of 23.88 (SD = 9.22) and were primarily cisgender women (82%), and heterosexual (67%). Fifty-one percent were White and 38% were Black. Participants responded to scales to assess imposter syndrome and cognitive and affective empathy. Next, participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions where they read about a highly educated woman working in a male-dominated context. The woman was described as either Black or White, and she was described as either experiencing imposter syndrome or not. After a manipulation check, we asked participants their perceptions of the woman. Adults acknowledged that the Imposter condition women were experiencing imposter syndrome and felt especially sorry for the Black Imposter woman. Adults with high imposter syndrome themselves (who were more likely to be White) felt the most empathetic towards, understanding of, and sorry for the Black Imposter woman. Although adults were impressed by all four women, they were least impressed with the White Imposter woman. In contrast, empathetic adults connected with White women, especially the White Imposter woman. These findings highlight the fact that perceptions of imposter syndrome can be modified by the target’s race and the viewer’s personal experiences.
Previously Presented/Performed?
SAEOPP McNair/SSS Scholars Research Conference, Atlanta, GA, June 2022; 2023 Southeastern Psychological Association Conference, New Orleans, LA and Winthrop University Showcase of Winthrop University Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors, Rock Hill, SC, April 2023
Type of Presentation
Poster presentation
Grant Support?
Supported by U.S. Department of Education McNair Grant P217A180094
Start Date
15-4-2023 12:00 PM
Adults’ Empathy and Experiences with and Perceptions of Imposter Syndrome
We sought to better understand adults’ perceptions of highly educated women, varying in race, who were either overtly or indirectly described as experiencing imposter syndrome. We hypothesized that adults would perceive Black women as experiencing imposter syndrome but would report less empathy, matching adults’ implicitly biased expectations shown in previous research. Participants (n = 100) had a mean age of 23.88 (SD = 9.22) and were primarily cisgender women (82%), and heterosexual (67%). Fifty-one percent were White and 38% were Black. Participants responded to scales to assess imposter syndrome and cognitive and affective empathy. Next, participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions where they read about a highly educated woman working in a male-dominated context. The woman was described as either Black or White, and she was described as either experiencing imposter syndrome or not. After a manipulation check, we asked participants their perceptions of the woman. Adults acknowledged that the Imposter condition women were experiencing imposter syndrome and felt especially sorry for the Black Imposter woman. Adults with high imposter syndrome themselves (who were more likely to be White) felt the most empathetic towards, understanding of, and sorry for the Black Imposter woman. Although adults were impressed by all four women, they were least impressed with the White Imposter woman. In contrast, empathetic adults connected with White women, especially the White Imposter woman. These findings highlight the fact that perceptions of imposter syndrome can be modified by the target’s race and the viewer’s personal experiences.
