Using Motivational Theories to Study Imposter Phenomenon Among Academics

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46328/ijonses.489

Keywords:

Imposter phenomenon, Imposter syndrome, Gender differences, Expectancy-value, Attributions, Self-determination, Higher education

Abstract

The present study analyzes Imposter Phenomenon (IP) through the lens of three different motivational frameworks. Expectancy Value Theory, Attribution Theory, and Self-Determination Theory were used to study IP among academics.  With 72% of participants experiencing frequent or intense IP levels, IP was prevalent among those sampled. Females experienced higher IP than males, although race and first-generation status did not significantly impact IP levels. Post docs had higher IP scores than tenured faculty and full-time non-tenured faculty had higher IP scores than tenured faculty. Younger academics had higher IP scores. Analyses of the motivational frameworks showed significant differences by IP level.

Author Biographies

Amy Hord, Kennesaw State University

Amy Hord https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4828-384XKennesaw State UniversitySchool of Data Science and Analytics1000 Chastain Rd., Kennesaw, GAUnited StatesContact e-mail: ahord1@students.kennesaw.edu

Ashley Vaughn, Miami University

Ashley Vaughn https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7598-8410Miami University501 E High St, Oxford, OHUnited StatesContact e-mail: ashleyvaughn@miamioh.edu

Hailey Treadaway, Kennesaw State University

Hailey Treadaway https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3354-5249Kennesaw State UniversitySchool of Data Science and Analytics1000 Chastain Rd., Kennesaw, GAUnited StatesContact e-mail: htreada1@students.kennesaw.edu

Marcus Lee Johnson, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Marcus Lee Johnson https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4018-4647Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State UniversityBlacksburg, VAUnited StatesContact e-mail: marcusjohnson@vt.edu

References

Taasoobshirazi, G., Hord, A., Vaughn, A., Treadaway, H., & Johnson, M. (2023). Using motivational theories to study Imposter Phenomenon among academics. International Journal on Social and Education Sciences (IJonSES), 5(2), 167-189. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijonses.489

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Published

2023-06-03

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 2 (2023)

Section

Articles

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