Imposter syndrome, alternatively defined as imposter paradox or impostorism, is a mental event in which a person continuously fears being discovered as a liar and has hesitations regarding their abilities, qualifications, or achievements. Imposter syndrome is a behavioral pattern in which individuals, including those who have sufficient external proof of achievement, harbor self-doubt. Those who are affected by this phenomenon are not convinced they deserve their triumph or luck, irrespective of the objective evidence of their skill (Mullangi & Jagsi, 2019). Although the phenomenon is not a recognized mental condition, people with impostor syndrome frequently have concomitant mental health disorders that can be addressed with psychological therapies. Considering the specific notion provided in the podcast “I’m a bad social worker: Imposter syndrome” that resonated with me as a new intern, the speaker emphasized that the occurrence can encompass relevant knowledge’s presence. In other terms, the conception of imposter syndrome includes an individual’s awareness of their actual expertise. As a well-prepared individual with a developed skillset, I can continue feeling a relative degree of anxiety due to the absence of absolute assurance that I am capable of completing the tasks.
Referring to the fears regarding starting the internship, it is feasible to state that in my case, the alarm is related to the probability of utilizing the concept of uncertainty avoidance during my practice. In general, uncertainty avoidance is a technique that can sufficiently assist in preventing anxiety outbreaks since it is connected to risk mitigation and emotional control and intelligence. I would prefer to be able to use uncertainty avoidance in order to oversee my weaknesses and ignore situations that are not under my authority or are less important. In fact, I am most excited about the opportunity to examine my personal response to external threats and rapidly changing circumstances during the internship. To my mind, this practice offers me a chance to properly analyze my behavioral patterns, possibility of applying knowledge and competences, as well as determine methods that can be used in personal risk management.
References
Mullangi, S., & Jagsi, R. (2019). Imposter syndrome: Treat the cause, not the symptom. Jama, 322(5), 403-404. Web.