A Study on association between Perfectionism, Impostor Syndrome and Mental Wellbeing among University Students

Abstract

The factors affecting mental wellbeing of university students have been studied by various researchers in the past. Perfectionism and imposter syndrome are some of the factors affecting the mental wellbeing of college students. Perfectionism is a tendency to strive for flawlessness and to criticize yourself harshly. Impostor syndrome is where high-achievers ascribe their success to luck rather than competence and feel like a fraud. Mental wellbeing is a state of being where one feels, thinks and acts in ways to enhance their quality of life. The current study investigated the association between perfectionism, impostor syndrome and mental wellbeing among university students. Standardized scales were used to measure perfectionism, impostor syndrome and mental wellbeing. The sample included 34 participants who were university students belonging to the age group 18-25. The findings showed significant negative correlation between mental wellbeing and perfectionism, as well as significant negative correlation between mental wellbeing and impostor syndrome. The results also revealed significant positive relationship between impostor syndrome and perfectionism. The findings suggested that students should be encouraged to practice unconditional self-acceptance and self-compassion and counselling centers and peer support groups should be established in universities to help students deal with perfectionism and impostor syndrome.