The Impostor Syndrome: Developmental and Societal Issues

Abstract

This paper discusses the role of impostors in society. Psychodynamic inferences are made about the origin and characteristics of this particular character type. Comparisons are drawn with the “as if” personality. Differences between people who feel imposturous and the true impostor are elucidated. Finally, we present the case of Refaat El-Sayed, a recent example of an impostor in business.