Imposter Syndrome: The What, the Why, And The How to Overcome

By Brittney Burt, MS, Diversify Dietetics Intern

 
 

Have you ever been in a room and felt like you didn’t belong? Like, everyone else was supposed to be there but you? Or, that you weren’t good enough? Or, smart enough? Even though you were qualified to be there?

Then you, my friend, may have experienced ‘Imposter Syndrome’.

First introduced in the 1970s, imposter syndrome, sometimes referred to as imposter phenomenon, fraud syndrome, or imposter experience, is when one doubts their own skills or successes.

Imposter syndrome is not a medical diagnosis. Imposter Syndrome is defined as the internalization of maladaptive cognitions of intellectual incompetence experienced by high-achieving individuals. [1]

In other words, it is when someone experiences repeated feelings or thoughts that they are incompetent, or not good enough, despite evidence that proves that they are; often seeking outside approval, even though said approval will still not be perceived as the truth.

 
 

Imposter syndrome affects upwards of 80% of the population, and can be experienced by anyone. [2] The groups that are likely to be affected are students, high-achievers, and first-generation college students. But evidence shows that minority individuals are impacted at a higher rate. [3] The reason being is due to discrimination, overt or passive-aggressive racism, or prejudices experienced in work or school settings. This can be coupled with minorities already feeling like they do not belong, or having to "prove their worth."

There are also many types of imposter syndrome. According to Carlie Beaucejour, MS, RD, LDN, the five types are:

 
 

Do you relate to any of these?

These types can all overlap and mesh into one another. Carlie did an awesome presentation on the topic of imposter syndrome at the DD summit back in 2023. Check out her webinar as part of the Professional Development Webinar Bundle. 

Imposter Syndrome in Nutrition and Dietetics

Imposter syndrome is particularly prevalent in dietetics and healthcare fields and it doesn’t just affect new RDNs, individuals who have been practicing for almost 20 years.There are many reasons why dietitians may experience imposter syndrome when navigating through the field of dietetics. These reasons vary from cultural factors and the lack of diversity in the field. Majority of RDNs are 93% women and 82% white4. 

This underrepresentation is one of the reasons people like Vanessa Rissetto, MS, RD, CDN, Co-Founder of the company, Culina Health, think that the feeling of imposter syndrome is amplified for dietitians of color- "when you don't see people that look like you, [especially] in positions of leadership, it's hard to imagine". 

Even as a CEO, Vanessa still sometimes finds it hard to accept that she does belong and knows what she is doing but, she always goes back to the data - the business is working, people are asking for her opinions so, she can’t be an imposter

Diversify Dietetics co-founder,  Tamara S. Melton, MS, RDN, CPHIMS, still experiences imposter syndrome all the time! To overcome this feeling, Tamara realized that she is the only person getting in her way, and uses that as motivation to not let imposter syndrome cripple her.

Another reason imposter syndrome is prevalent in dietetics is the path to joining the career. The path to becoming an RDN can be quite a stressful process (science prerequisites, intense intern-matching process, no/low paying internship, and now the graduate degree requirement), once you finally pass your exam, you should be elated and more than confident that you’ll be great at practicing. That is not alway the case, some RDNs still have that feeling of self-doubt towards their intellect, skills, or accomplishments. 

 
 

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Addressing your imposter syndrome is important because there are real consequences if you don’t. According to Carlie, these range from mental illness (anxiety or depression), to social isolation due to constantly working and needing to "prove yourself". Lastly, lack of career development.

Rest assured, imposter syndrome is not uncommon and is something that can be managed. You should not feel bad, or create any more feelings of self-doubt because you are being plagued by imposter syndrome. Take action so it does not further create issues for you or worse, hinder your dietetics career that you have been working so hard towards. Lean into that self-doubt and encourage yourself to reflect on why you had those feelings.

One strategy, especially while you're in the early stages of that journey is to focus on ways to build your confidence. This can look like setting realistic goals, focusing on continuous learning and professional development, engaging in self-care and boundary-setting practices, and connecting with mentors or colleagues who’ve had similar experiences.

Challenge your negative thoughts - look at all your achievements, review your grades, read letters of recommendation. Keep growing. Imposter syndrome can stop you in your tracks and make you feel like you are not worthy enough to continue in your career path but, you absolutely are.

 

Useful Resources for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 

References:

  1. Abramson, Ashley. "How to Overcome Impostor Phenomenon." Monitor on Psychology, American Psychological Association, 1 June 2021, www.apa.org/monitor/2021/06/cover-impostor-phenomenon. 

  2. Bauer-Wolf, Jeremy. "Study Shows Impostor Syndrome’s Effect on Minority Students’ Mental Health." Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs, 5 Apr. 2017, www.insidehighered.com/news/2017/04/06/study-shows-impostor-syndromes-effect-minority-students-mental-health. 

  3. Bernard, Donte L et al. "Impostor Phenomenon and Psychological Well-Being: The Moderating Roles of John Henryism and School Racial Composition Among Black College Students." The Journal of black psychology vol. 46,2-3 (2020): 195-227. doi:10.1177/0095798420924529

  4. Rogers, Dick. "Report on the Academy/Commission on Dietetic Registration 2020 Needs Satisfaction Survey." Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, vol. 121, no. 1, Jan. 2021, pp. 134–138, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2020.10.018.

 
stephanie mendez