A Correlational Analysis of Imposter Syndrome, Self-Compassion and Mental Health among Graduate Students.

Abstract

Graduate students are a psychologically vulnerable group facing academic pressure, performance demands, and identity transitions. In this context, impostor syndrome— characterised by persistent self-doubt and difficulty internalising success—can negatively impact mental health. Self-compassion has been proposed as a protective factor that may buffer these effects. However, limited research has examined these variables within the Indian higher education context. The present study investigated the prevalence of impostor syndrome and self-compassion, gender differences, and their relationships with mental health among graduate students in Jammu District, India. A quantitative descriptive-correlational design was used. The sample consisted of 130 graduate students (57 males, 73 females) selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), Self Compassion Scale–Short Form (SCS-SF), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21). Statistical analyses included mean, standard deviation, t-test, and Pearson’s correlation. Findings showed that 57.7% of participants experienced frequent impostor feelings, indicating high prevalence. Anxiety emerged as the most prominent concern, while depression and stress were mostly within normal levels. Self compassion was largely moderate. No significant gender differences were found across variables (p > .05). Correlation results revealed that impostor syndrome was positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress, while self-compassion showed significant negative correlations with all variables. These findings highlight impostor syndrome as a risk factor and self-compassion as a protective resource, with implications for student mental health interventions.