According to the American Psychological Association, “Impostor phenomenon occurs among high achievers who are unable to internalized and accept their success, often attributing their accomplishments to luck rather than ability.” This idea is better known as imposter syndrome. However, the handbook, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) which is used by healthcare professionals to categorize and diagnose disorders, does not recognize imposter syndrome as a mental illness. Nevertheless, it can have a serious impact on people’s mental health.
Imposter syndrome is complex and has many forms. In order to distinguish each, it's categorized into five different groups.
I exhibit signs of the first type of imposter syndrome: The Perfectionist. If everything is not done flawlessly I will spend hours on little details to get it right. However, if it doesn't end up that way I feel like I failed that task.
The Soloist exhibits signs of the second type of imposter syndrome by constantly feeling the need to do everything on their own, even if they need help because if they ask for it, they believe that shows weakness.
Jianni Burnett exhibits signs of the third type of imposter syndrome: The Super Person. Burnett has always been pushed by her parents to be the best, so she constantly strives for the stars by overworking herself. However, when she fails to do so she feels like an imposter.
The Expert suffers from the fourth type of imposter syndrome. They feel the need to cram and study a subject right away. When they don't end up grasping the topic fast enough they feel like a fraud.
Isha Hussain is exhibiting signs of the fifth type of imposter syndrome: The Natural Genius. Despite her good grades she still feels as though her other peers are higher achievers making her feel like a failure in her field.