Ep. 339 - The Doctor Is In Series - Are You An Imposter?

Welcome to the Social-Engineer Podcast: The Doctor Is In Series – where we will discuss understandings and developments in the field of psychology.   

In today's episode, Chris and Dr. Abbie explore imposter syndrome, examining what it is, why it occurs, and how cultural and professional pressures can intensify it. They discuss common symptoms, personal experiences, and the psychological roots behind feeling undeserving of success. Through scientific insight and practical strategies, they share ways to recognize, reframe, and manage imposter syndrome with greater self-awareness and confidence. 

[Feb 2, 2026] 

00:00 - Intro 

00:20 - Meet the Hosts 

00:54 - Upcoming Events and Announcements 

02:29 - Defining Imposter Syndrome 

06:42 - Cultural and Gender Influences 

12:26 - Personality Traits and Imposter Syndrome 

14:46 - Sponsor 

16:12 - Balancing Humility and Confidence 

19:34 - Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome 

27:02 - Billy Boatwright's Story 

30:36 -  Conclusion and Next Episode Preview 

 

Find us online:  

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-abbie-maroño-phd  

• Instagram: @DoctorAbbieofficial  

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopherhadnagy  

 

References: 

Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.  

Bennett-Levy, J., Butler, G., Fennell, M., Hackmann, A., Mueller, M., & Westbrook, D. (2004). The Oxford guide to behavioral experiments in cognitive therapy. Oxford University Press.  

Breines, J. G., & Chen, S. (2012). Self-compassion increases self-improvement motivation. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 38(9), 1133–1143. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167212445599  

Bravata, D. M., Watts, S. A., Keefer, A. L., Madhusudhan, D. K., Taylor, K. T., Clark, D. M., Nelson, R. S., Cokley, K. O., & Hagg, H. K. (2020). Prevalence, predictors, and treatment of impostor syndrome: A systematic review. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 35(4), 1252–1275. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-019-05364-1  

Clance, P. R. (1985). The impostor phenomenon: Overcoming the fear that haunts your success. Peachtree Publishers.  

Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The impostor phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 15(3), 241–247. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0086006  

Edmondson, A. (1999). Psychological safety and learning behavior in work teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), 350–383. https://doi.org/10.2307/2666999