Investigation into the effects of impostor phenomenon in military veterans.

“Impostor phenomenon” (IP), commonly termed “impostor syndrome”, is a phenomenon which can negatively impact career outcomes and employees’ well-being.  Historically, it was thought that women suffered from IP more often and more acutely than men. It has since been shown that under-represented groups in professional and academic settings are likely to be more susceptible to IP. One group for which IP may be particularly pertinent is military veterans; a minority with its own set of norms and values, culture and language.  This study seeks to ascertain the extent to which, and in what ways, IP manifest in the veteran community and how the individual sufferer and the organisations they join might identify IP and mitigate its effects.

The aims of this project are to gain a greater understanding of veterans' experiences of IP suffering. This will be achieved through questionnaires and interviews, attempting to ascertain what antecedents, manifestations and interventions may be applied in individual, group and organisational situations. Furthermore, to further develop an understanding of IP in contemporary work/study environments, with particular focus on how IP affects veterans and their assimilation back into civilian life.  This will be achieved through the thematic analysis of questionnaires and interviews with individuals based around their experiences of IP in their current workplace.

Firstly a questionnaire will be conducted, collecting demographics, IP levels from a uni and multi-dimensional perspective on IP, assessment of current happiness and an assessment of percieved over-qualification.

Following this, semi-structured interviews will be conducted to gather qualitative data on experiences of veterans.

• How does IP manifest in military veterans in their civilian lives? Do this manifestation differ from the general population?
• How does IP affect the transition of veterans to civilian employment?
• What environmental/organisational/social triggers can be identified that affect the feelings of IP in veterans?

UK military veterans.  

Target number for questionnaire: 300