The investigation of the mediating role of impostor phenomenon in the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and depression among residents

Impostor phenomenon is defined as the feeling of fraudulence in spite of high achievements. Maladaptive perfectionism is defined as the perceived discrepancy between high standards and actual performance. Impostor phenomenon and maladaptive perfectionism are common traits among residents. Previous research has shown that both of these traits are associated with depression. The aim of the current study was to investigate the mediating role of the impostor phenomenon in the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism (discrepancy) and depression among residents. Another aim was to investigate whether the relationships between discrepancy, impostor phenomenon and depression differed based on gender. The sample was composed of 213 residents (120 female) from various fields of medical specialties. All participants completed Demographic Information Form, Almost Perfect Scale Revised-Discrepancy Subscale, Impostorism Scale and Beck Depression Inventory. Pearson correlation analyses conducted between discrepancy, impostor phenomenon and depression scores showed that all variables were positively correlated with each other. Mediation analysis did not support the mediating role of impostor phenomenon in the relationship between discrepancy and depression. No significant gender difference in discrepancy, impostor phenomenon and depression scores were found. These findings were discussed in terms of preventions and interventions focusing on reducing discrepancy and impostor phenomenon and increasing the psychological well-being of residents.