An Exploratory Study: The Presence of Imposter Syndrome in New Graduate Allied Health Professionals and its Relationship to Location of Practice

Authors

• Samantha J. Barber, James Cook University AustraliaFollow
• Carol A. Flavell Dr, James Cook University, AustraliaFollow
• Moira Smith Dr, James Cook University, AustraliaFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Imposter syndrome (IS) explores the feelings of fraudulence within personal and professional settings. Commonly IS results in impaired self-confidence, and self-perceptions of one’s own abilities, their mental health, and places them at a higher risk of burnout. Imposterism is linked to transitionary periods, such as being newly graduated, and while IS addressed amongst the medical community [doctors and nurses], there is a gap in literature relating to IS amongst allied health professionals (AHPs). Additionally, there is no known literature in which IS presence or severity is explored in relation to an individual’s geographic location. The aim of this study was to report on the presence of imposter syndrome (IS) in newly graduated allied health professionals (AHP), and to determine if there was an association between IS and occupational location. Methods: Allied health professionals from 12 disciplines across Australia, who graduated between November 2021 and December 2023. The study was conducted as a single-phase observational quantitative cross-sectional design via an anonymous online survey. The online questionnaire included the collection of demographic information, responses to the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) questionnaire plus five imposterism self-perception questions, and classification of occupational rurality using the Modified Monash Model (MMM). Results: Of 205 eligible participants, 97.6% reported “Moderate” to “Intense” feelings of imposterism. Sixty-one percent were 21-25-years-old, 88.3% identified as female, MMM 1 and 2 accounted for 77.6% of participants’ occupational location. Participants’ IS levels did not correlate with their occupational location or previous knowledge. Contrastingly, participants’ imposter syndrome levels and experiences of imposterism, the impact of imposter syndrome on their personal and professional life and perception of stigma associated with imposter syndrome displayed positive linear correlation. Conclusions: This study found high imposterism amongst the new graduate allied health professional population, and a correlation between IS scores and self-perception. Despite no correlation to occupational location, these findings demonstrate concern for clinician personal and professional wellbeing. Future research should explore the prevalence of imposterism amongst a wider range of clinicians, inclusive of students, new graduates and experienced clinicians to gain adequate insight into presence, severity and to guide intervention.

Author Bio(s)

Samantha J. Barber, MRurGenPrac, GDipRurGenPrac, BOccThy, is a dedicated Occupational Therapist, with over 7 years clinical experience working as a rural generalist in Queensland, Australia. She has a strong passion for aged care and supporting rural communities accessing services.

Dr Carol Flavell, PhD, MSc, G Dip Phty, is an Australian teaching and research academic in the field of healthcare sciences. Her research focuses primarily on chronic health conditions and has published work in several peer reviewed scientific journals. Carol takes a keen interest in the supervision of student led research.

Dr Moira Smith, PhD, Grad Cert ed, MSc, BSc (Hons), is a dedicated physiotherapist and Senior Lecturer at James Cook University with over 25 years of clinical experience specialising in neurological rehabilitation. She is also an active researcher and registered HDR advisor with a strong academic and clinical background.

Recommended Citation

Barber SJ, Flavell CA, Smith M. An Exploratory Study: The Presence of Imposter Syndrome in New Graduate Allied Health Professionals and its Relationship to Location of Practice. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Jun 02;24(2), Article 19.