Intensive care nurses' impostor phenomenon: Associations with narcissistic personality, shame-proneness, and guilt-proneness.

BACKGROUND

Intensive care unit nurses commonly experience impostor phenomenon owing to constant exposure to urgent situations, high work pressure, and the demands of their professional roles. Impostor phenomenon may induce anxiety and self-doubt and adversely affect personal growth and career development. Therefore, identifying the severity of impostor phenomenon among intensive care unit nurses and its associated factors is important.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between narcissistic personality, shame-proneness, guilt-proneness, and impostor phenomenon among intensive care unit nurses in tertiary hospitals.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study collected data from 251 nurses in tertiary hospitals in Korea, in July 2022, using an online questionnaire. Narcissistic personality was assessed using the Pathological Narcissism Inventory, and shame-proneness and guilt-proneness were measured using the Test of Self-Conscious Affect. Impostor phenomenon was assessed using the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale.

RESULTS

Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the most potent factors affecting impostor phenomenon in intensive care unit nurses was shame-proneness, followed by narcissistic vulnerability and guilt-proneness. The regression model explained 65.0% of the variance.

CONCLUSION

Nurse leaders can address impostor phenomenon among newly hired intensive care unit nurses with the goal of minimising adverse psychological outcomes. Shame-proneness, narcissistic vulnerability, and guilt-proneness require attention because of their relationship to impostor phenomenon. Additionally, it is necessary to plan and implement measures to promote awareness of self-conscious emotions, psychoeducation, and mental health intervention programs that focus on these factors.