Imposter Phenomenon - World Mental Health Day

Presented to Polytechnique Montreal Optica & SPIE Student Chapter by Dr. Lisa Gunaydin on World Mental Health Day, October 10th 2024 as part of the first Dragonfly Global Migration
Imposter phenomenon, or the feeling that you don’t truly belong, is very common among academics. The presence of imposter phenomenon is not at all linked to one’s academic achievement record or the amount of effort put into science. A positive assessment of one’s achievements is only a temporary fix to relieve the anxiety imposter phenomenon can cause. The danger of impostor phenomenon, as in any other neurosis, is that it reduces one’s quality of life. Imposter phenomenon robs us of the joys life has to offer, in both everyday life and in the pursuit of knowledge.
In this seminar, we cover the definition of impostor phenomenon and its prevalence in the academic population. We provide an overview of symptoms highlighting those seen in academic settings, and we facilitate community discussion on how to overcome impostor phenomenon in our individual lives.
About this Seminar:
60 minute seminar and discussion
Topics discussed:
Definition of impostor phenomenon
Prevalence of impostor phenomenon in the academic population
An overview of symptoms highlighting those seen in academic settings
Discussion on how to overcome impostor phenomenon
Expert led facilitated discussion