Anderson Alexandra R, LaPenna Jamie, Willis Dustin, Simpson Khyrah, Chang Alison H
Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago Illinois USA.
Department of Physical Therapy Loyola University Medical Center Burr Ridge Illinois USA.
Health Sci Rep. 2024 Mar 4;7(3):e1953. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.1953. eCollection 2024 Mar.
Imposter phenomenon (IP), or perceived fraudulence, describes an ongoing fear of exposure as a fraud or imposter, despite objective successes and accomplishments. Although there is a growing interest of IP in medicine, IP in the physical therapy profession has been minimally examined. We aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of IP among licensed physical therapists in the United States.
This cross-sectional observational study utilized an online survey to assess levels of IP using the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale. We assessed degrees of emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction and collected professional and demographic information. A multivariable logistic regression model examined factors associated with IP presence.
The mean IP score was 60.3 (SD: 15.1, range: 19-95). Fifty-five respondents (10.7%) had low IP, 196 (38.1%) moderate, 215 (41.8%) frequent, and 48 (9.3%) intense IP. The prevalence of IP, defined as frequent or intense IP, was 51.2%. Having manager/supervisor experience (odds ratio [OR] = 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.34-0.90) was associated with a reduced odds of IP presence. Holding a bachelor's or master's degree (vs. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT); OR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.07-5.00), a history of or current mental health diagnosis (OR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.69-4.54), and emotional exhaustion (moderate vs. low: OR = 5.37, 95% CI = 2.11-13.69; high vs. low: OR = 14.13, 95% CI = 5.56-35.89) were each associated with an increased odds of IP presence.
IP is highly prevalent among licensed physical therapists. Seasoned clinicians with managerial roles seemed to be less susceptible to IP, whereas those with mental health diagnoses, emotional exhaustion, and those without a DPT degree may be more susceptible. Given its high prevalence and potential negative impact on burnout and career advancement, it is crucial to increase IP awareness and provide education on management strategies.
冒名顶替现象（IP），即感知到的欺诈感，描述了一种持续存在的恐惧，即尽管取得了客观的成功和成就，但仍担心被揭露为骗子或冒名顶替者。尽管医学领域对冒名顶替现象的兴趣日益浓厚，但物理治疗行业中的冒名顶替现象却很少得到研究。我们旨在确定美国有执照的物理治疗师中冒名顶替现象的患病率及其预测因素。
这项横断面观察性研究利用在线调查，使用克兰斯冒名顶替现象量表来评估冒名顶替现象的程度。我们评估了情绪耗竭程度和工作满意度，并收集了专业和人口统计学信息。一个多变量逻辑回归模型检验了与冒名顶替现象存在相关的因素。
冒名顶替现象的平均得分是60.3（标准差：15.1，范围：19 - 95）。55名受访者（10.7%）冒名顶替现象程度低，196名（38.1%）中等，215名（41.8%）频繁，48名（9.3%）强烈。冒名顶替现象的患病率（定义为频繁或强烈的冒名顶替现象）为51.2%。有经理/主管经验（优势比[OR] = 0.55，95%置信区间[CI] = 0.34 - 0.90）与冒名顶替现象存在的几率降低相关。拥有学士或硕士学位（与物理治疗博士[DPT]相比；OR = 2.31，95% CI = 1.07 - 5.00）、有心理健康诊断史或目前有心理健康诊断（OR = 2.77，95% CI = 1.69 - 4.54）以及情绪耗竭（中度与低度相比：OR = 5.37，95% CI = 2.11 - 13.69；高度与低度相比：OR = 14.13，95% CI = 5.56 - 35.89）均与冒名顶替现象存在的几率增加相关。
冒名顶替现象在有执照的物理治疗师中非常普遍。担任管理职务的经验丰富的临床医生似乎较不易受冒名顶替现象影响，而那些有心理健康诊断、情绪耗竭以及没有DPT学位的人可能更容易受到影响。鉴于其高患病率以及对职业倦怠和职业发展的潜在负面影响，提高对冒名顶替现象的认识并提供管理策略教育至关重要。
