Correlation between Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome among Nursing Educators at Zagazig University

Background: Perfectionism and imposter syndrome are two complicated features that are
usually linked to a variety of psychological issues or difficulties that have a negative impact on
people's lives. Aim: This study aimed to assess the correlation between perfectionism and imposter
syndrome among nursing educators at Zagazig University. Design: A descriptive correlational
design was conducted between April and July 2021. Setting: This study was conducted online from
nursing educators at the Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University. Subjects: A convenience sample
of 120 institutionalized nursing educators by using online forum. Tools: Three types of scales were
surveyed: Sociodemographic data sheet, Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale and Clance Imposter
Phenomenon Scale. Results: This study revealed that about half of the nursing educators had high
perfectionism and more than half had moderate imposter syndrome. There was significant positive
correlation between perfectionism and imposter syndrome. Perfectionism was higher among female,
aged from thirty to less than forty, married, lecturer and great degree of perfectionism influenced
person's life. Imposter syndrome was higher among female, aged from forty to less than fifty,
widow, three to five years of experience. Conclusions: The current study deduced that half of the
nursing educators were perfectionists and more than half had moderate imposter syndrome.
Perfectionism was positively correlated with imposter syndrome among nursing educators. Age,
gender, grade of education, years of experience, marital status and degree of perfectionism impact in
person's life were predictors of perfectionism and imposter syndrome. Recommendations: The
current study recommended a training program to be developed for nursing educators to reduce
imposter syndrome and perfectionism. Further qualitative research should be conducted to gain
narrative on why people feel like an imposter and how it impacts the careers.