Kevin Cokley, University Diversity and Social Transformation Professor of Psychology
Why Do Successful People Feel Like a Fraud?
Abstract: Do you ever doubt your achievements? Have negative self-talk? Come up with excuses for your success? Feel like your failures define you? Feel like you don’t belong? Question your abilities? You are not alone. These are all hallmarks of the impostor phenomenon. These thoughts and feelings are common among many people, with research indicating that over 80% of people report having impostor feelings. The impostor phenomenon is especially prevalent among women and minoritized individuals. In this talk, Dr. Kevin Cokley will engage participants in a research-informed discussion about the impostor phenomenon. He will discuss how the impostor phenomenon is created and describe the impostor cycle. Dr. Cokley will highlight his research that examines how the impostor phenomenon impacts mental health and achievement among women and minoritized individuals and make the case for why there needs to be a reconceptualized, racialized impostor phenomenon. Dr. Cokley will end by providing recommendations on how to combat impostor feelings.
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