Research shows unexpected benefits for people with imposter syndrome

Research shows unexpected benefits for people with imposter syndrome

Imposter syndrome is an increased sense of insecurity that causes people to doubt their qualities and abilities and think they are not worthy or capable of the role they are performing. The condition leads individuals to believe that they will be “exposed” by their peers at all times.

The sensation is often described as debilitating for mental health. However, research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has found at least one benefit for those who have the problem.

Conducted using questionnaires and dynamics with 3,603 employees of the company, the survey showed that “cheaters” are likely to build good interpersonal relationships in the teams they work in and work together for the common result.

The researchers hypothesize that feelings of inadequacy make “cheaters” put more effort into dealing with colleagues and customers, which would make them more competent in the area of ​​social skills.

“People who have deceptive thoughts in the workplace are more oriented toward others,” says behavioral psychologist Basima Tewfik, one of the study’s authors.

Even when you’re at work, this soft skill advantage doesn’t hurt office productivity. However, Basima Tewfik reiterates that the magnitude of the suffering generated by impostor syndrome should not be disregarded and therefore emotion should not be stimulated as a productivity strategy.

“It’s not because people with wrong thoughts are more effective interpersonally that the syndrome is no longer a problem,” the researcher affirmed in a press statement.

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