PREVALENCE OF IMPOSTER PHENOMENON AMONG DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY STUDENTS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: The imposter phenomenon (IP) refers to a feeling of persistent self –doubt, a sense of intellectual fraudulence in individual despite of evident competence. This issue has been observed widely particularly in high achieving students in competitive academic environments. The main aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of imposter phenomenon among doctor of physiotherapy students along with association of academic performance. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Mohi-ud-din institute of rehabilitation sciences Mirpur AJ&K involving multiple DPT departments in Mirpur city with a sample of 242 undergraduate DPT students. The Clance Impostor phenomenon Scale (CIPS) was used to assess the presence of IP , While academic performance was measured using Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). Data was analyzed through descriptive statistical using SPSS version 27. Results: Out of 242 participants and based on CIPS scoring, 47.9% exhibited moderate IP level, 38.4% frequent IP, 11.2% few characteristics, and 2.5% intense IP feelings. A CGPA above 3.5 was reported by 34.7% of students , while 51.7 % rated their academic performance as good. The findings showed no significant association between IP and academic performance. Conclusion: Imposter phenomenon is prevalent among doctor of physiotherapy students, with a substantial proportion experiencing moderate to frequent imposter feelings. Although there was no significant correlation found between imposter phenomenon and academic performance.