A Comparative Study between Co-ed and Single-Sex Female College Students on Imposter Syndrome and Self Efficacy

Abstract

Earlier, women were not permitted from enrolling in educational institutions. Overtime, when this changed, women began to attend single-sex colleges, however there surrounded a lot of bias that male colleges were better than these female colleges. Therefore, slowly, there was a transition of women into coed institutions. These college environments would often hold stereotypes against female students which would affect their self-esteem and self-efficacy. Another observable phenomenon amongst these high achieving female students was Imposter Syndrome, where women would find it difficult to internalize their success. The purpose of the study is to explore the relationship between female students in Coed and Single Sex colleges on Imposter Syndrome and Self-Efficacy. For this research a sample of 62 female college going students from coed and girls-only colleges between ages of 18 to 23 years were considered. Standardized scales for Imposter Syndrome and General Self -efficacy were used in the study. The results showed a significant negative correlation between imposter syndrome and general self-efficacy. The results also revealed that the imposter feelings are more significantly prevalent in female students that attend coed institutions than those who attend girls only colleges. Based on these results it is suggested that increased positive stereotypes about women in academia, fostering interaction with female faculty and creating a sense of belonginess in institution may aid in reducing imposter feelings.