The imposter phenomenon and performance evaluation: A mediation analysis of cognitive and emotional factors

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between the Imposter Phenomenon (IP) and cognitive and emotional factors contributing to negative performance-evaluation. Specifically, it investigated whether attributional style, cognitive distortions, memory bias, and depression influence the relationship between IP and performance evaluation. A total of 281 participants were recruited from undergraduate psychology courses at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John and the general population. Participants completed measures assessing IP, performance evaluation, attributional style, cognitive distortions, memory bias, and depression via Qualtrics. Results revealed that depression and cognitive distortions significantly mediated the relationship between IP and performance evaluation, suggesting these factors play a central role in maintaining negative self-assessments. Attributional style and memory bias were examined but did not exhibit mediating effects. These findings identify depression and cognitive distortions as key mechanisms linking IP to negative self-evaluation, highlighting important targets for interventions aimed at reducing self-doubt and fostering balanced self-perceptions.