Prevalence of impostor phenomenon and assessment of well-being in pharmacy residents

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to quantify the prevalence of impostor phenomenon (IP) and to assess well-being in pharmacy residents, as well as analyze the effects of demographics on these outcomes.

Methods: A cross-sectional, survey-based study was performed. Pharmacy residency program directors and pharmacy directors were asked to forward an invitation email to actively enrolled postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) and postgraduate year 2 pharmacy residents in March 2019. The survey used the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) to identify IP and the Mayo Clinic Resident/Fellow Well-Being Index (RWBI) to assess resident well-being.

Results: Survey respondents were mostly female, enrolled in PGY1 programs and single with no children. Of the 720 responses included in the study, 57.5% (n = 414) were identified as "impostors" (CIPS score of ≥62), with a mean CIPS score of 64.0 (SD, 15.0). Prior mental health treatment and increased hours worked per week were significant predictors of IP. The greatest correlation was found in those working greater than 80 hours per week compared to less than 60 hours per week (ß = 9.845; P < 0.001). The mean RWBI score was 4.2 (SD, 1.8), with 47.8% (n = 344) of residents scoring ≥5, the cutoff for identifying those at greatest risk of distress. Age, previous mental health treatment, and increasing hours worked per week were significant predictors of RWBI ≥5. CIPS and RWBI scores were found to exhibit weak but significant correlation (ρ = 0.357; P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Pharmacy residents displayed significantly higher prevalence of IP vs comparable groups as well as significantly more distress with potential for a personal and/or professional consequence.

Keywords: education; impostor phenomenon; mental health, pharmacy; pharmacy residencies, resident well-being.