‘Feeling Out of Place’: A Mixed Methods Investigation of the Imposter
Phenomenon Among BIPOC and LGBTQ STEM College Students
Abstract
This mixed-methods study examines the experience of the imposter
phenomenon in a racially/ethnically and sexually diverse sample of
undergraduates in majors related to science, technology, engineering,
and math (STEM). Guided by an intersectionality framework, we examined
whether experiences of the imposter phenomenon differ at the
intersection of race/ethnicity and sexual identity. Survey data from
undergraduate STEM students (N = 735) consisting of 559 (76%)
racial/ethnic minorities and 169 (23%) lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, and queer/questioning individuals revealed racial/ethnic
and sexual identity differences in the amount of imposter phenomenon.
Findings also suggest that STEM students with more mentors reported
lower imposter phenomenon. This finding was not moderated by
race/ethnicity or sexual identity, implying that mentoring may be a form
of social support among students in STEM education. To supplement the
quantitative findings, we collected open and close-ended data from
participants. Thematic analysis of these data provides insight into the
range of coping strategies STEM students use when experiencing the
imposter phenomenon. Implications and recommendations for research,
theory, and policy are further discussed.