What causes imposter syndrome?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

Imposter syndrome is caused by a combination of family background and innate personality traits. The prevailing theory is that imposter syndrome manifests more frequently in people who grew up in households where personal achievement was highly valued.

There's also a theory that parents who arbitrarily flip between praise and criticism will create a sense of anxiety that carries over into a child's adulthood. The fear that praise is fleeting and success requires unceasing focus creates the conditions for imposter syndrome to thrive.

On a more immediate basis, the most common cause of imposter syndrome is starting a new job. Recent graduates and career-changers are the most common candidates for feelings associated with imposter syndrome. However, even a shift in responsibilities at your current job can cause imposter syndrome to surface.