The Impostor Phenomenon, a hermeneutic analysis informed by Heideggerian phenomenology

Abstract

First described as a cluster of psychological disturbances “The Impostor Phenomenon” has become ubiquitously termed “imposter syndrome” (impostor and imposter spellings are used interchangeably). Broadly, it is a fear of exposure as a phony, an imposter. The term “Imposterism” has been adopted, as suggested by Morgenstern and Beck (2020) for ease of reading. The accepted academic view of imposterism appears narrowly defined as a measurable psychological or emotional problem requiring a remedy. I offer alternative understandings for imposterism with the aim of contributing to a broadening debate on the phenomenon both academically and practically. I have used a hermeneutic method informed by Heideggerian phenomenology and employed the Gadamerian concept of horizons for this work of theoretical psychology. In so doing I further aim to showcase this methodology for wider use. Since this is a somewhat unusual approach in psychology it has been necessary to explain the methodology at some length. I feel however that this methodology has allowed the freedom needed to approach this subject anew and I hope it’s use will increase. The theme which runs through this thesis is an adaptation to the method suggested by Crowther and Thomson (2020). I work from my twelve new suggestions for horizons to make a phenomenological interpretive “leap” by applying Heideggerian philosophical insight. In doing so, I note Paley’s observations about such a method and devote some time to reconciling them. The output is akin to what Van Manen (2014, p. 19) describes as agogic or story-like and seeks to elicit a “phenomenological nod” of recognition rather than offering a generalisable result or conclusion. Its aim is inductive in widening the debate and encouraging more diversified work rather than a deductive discovery. I have brought imposterism to light as a multi-dimensional spectrum of twelve new horizons fused in two points of meaning. These I have located in four Heideggerian concepts.