Impostor phenomenon and burnout syndrome among emergency physicians: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction

This study examined emergency physicians across the country in terms of Impostor Phenomenon (IP) and Burnout Syndrome (BoS). We aimed to evaluate the possible relationship between IP and BoS and determine which demographic characteristics pose a risk for IP and BoS.

Methods

This quantitative cross-sectional study consists of Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) which were filled out online by the participants. A total of 389 volunteers participated in the study.

Results

The median age of participants was 30 years (Q1–Q3=27–35) and 57.3% (223) of them were male. The frequency of significant/intense IP was higher in women (28.9%) than in men (17%) (p=0.020). High emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment were more common in women than in men (71.7% vs 60.6% and 50% vs 31%, respectively). The median age of participants classified as none to mild IP was 34 years. It was 28 years in significant/intense IP. It was detected that the severity of IP increased as the participants got younger (p<0.001). Significant/intense IP was most common in residents (29%). The residents also had the highest frequency of depersonalization (73.5%). The frequency of moderate to intense IP was the least in participants who worked at a university hospital (74.6%).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicated that IP and BoS are more common in residency. The increased frequency of IP and BoS in young female physicians may be attributed to hierarchical working arrangements and worry about academic performance. Experienced physicians with high levels of academic self-consciousness exhibited a low frequency of IP. Additionally, this study identified a moderate correlation between IP and BoS.

Keywords:

• Impostor phenomenon
• burnout syndrome
• emergency medicine

Author contributions

Concept and Design: AB, MAK, AA, YM. Acquisition of the Data: AB, AA, YM. Analysis and Interpretation of the Data: AB, MAK, AA. Drafting of the Manuscript: AB, YM, AA. Critical Revision of the Manuscript for important intellectual content: AB, MAK. Statistical Expertise: AB, MAK.

Disclosure statement

AB, AA, YM, MAK report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.