“Having compassion for oneself is really no different than having compassion for others” Dr. Kristin Neff

The growing body of literature on the imposter phenomenon (IP) underscores the need for more empirical attention, as this is a crucial area of study that can provide a route out of imposter feelings. Studies consistently highlight the correlation between lower self-compassion and the self-denial thinking model. This suggests that lower self-compassion leads individuals to underestimate their internal abilities, thereby fostering imposter thoughts. A recent study has further reinforced this correlation, identifying self-compassion as a promising resilience factor against IP.

The Practice

Compassion is a sensitivity toward someone's situation, accepting their inadequacy without judgment. It's an understanding from a place of empathy where you recognize human nature and fragility, extending your utmost help. Self-compassion is the practice of this towards oneself; it involves showing support to oneself in internal conflicts and accepting one's shortcomings without harsh self-criticism. However, this is where an imposter loses balance and fails to recognize setbacks, giving rise to negative feelings.

The adaptive attitude of accepting one's failures does not mean only looking at the bright side of the situation. Instead, it provides the strength to deal with difficult experiences. This practice is a way to separate self-criticism from comparison, as studies suggest self-compassion is highly associated with self-evaluation and acceptance rather than relying on external comparisons. Imposter thoughts breed on external stimuli, as self-deception lowers inner ability. Meanwhile, self-compassion grounds an individual in their own reality, providing the ego resilience to admit failure without fixating on the suffering, thereby empowering individuals to bounce back from setbacks.

As cliché as it sounds, the practice of self-compassion demands kindness to oneself. Rather than letting self-criticism become the motivator for improvement, a mindset change can truly replace it with self-compassion. It is a redirection in the face of any built-up pressure that not only depletes one's energy but also paves the way for the adverse effects imposter thoughts can have on mental health, often leading to burnout, anxiety, and depression.

"Mindfulness helps us to drop the dramatic storylines about our inadequacies and past failures and gain a more balanced perspective on the self" Kristin and Oliver, 2016

Limitations and Further Research

The extensive literature on self-compassion warrants attention as researchers advocate for its inclusion in positive psychology. Given its implications and substantial results, self-compassion has proven to be a potent intervention. Undergraduates who were self-compassionate were observed to be more resilient in stressful events. However, the direct effect needs to be measured with quantitative scales, highlighting the intriguing and promising avenues for further research in this field.