THE TRIAD OF IMPOSTOR SYNDROME, PERFECTIONISM AND DISTRESS: UNRAVELING THEIR INTERPLAY AND IMPACT ON MENTAL PROFESSIONALS WELL-BEING

Abstract

Background: Mental healthcare professionals operate in highly demanding clinical settings. Emerging evidences have‎ ‎pointed out that imposter syndrome and maladaptive perfectionism play prominent roles among them, and ‎‎these are associated with elevated levels of psychological distress, burnout, and lower professional ‎‎satisfaction. There is an apparent ‎lack of understanding of how these variables together influence overall mental well-being in current ‎evidence-based studies‎. Aim:  To describe the interplay between perfectionism, psychological distress, impostor syndrome, and mental professionals' wellbeing. Methods: A descriptive correlational design was employed, using structured online or in-person questionnaires to collect data from 160 mental health professionals working in mental health services in Riyadh- Saudi Arabia. Four validated instruments were used: Impostor Phenomenon, Multidimensional Perfectionism, Depression Anxiety Stress, and Mental Health Continuum-Short Form Scales, as well as an assessment of socio-demographic and professional characteristics, including age, gender, profession, and years of experience. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between impostor syndrome and perfectionism (r = 0.43, p < 0.00); a strong positive correlation of impostor syndrome with psychological distress (r = 0.61, p < 0.00); and a positive correlation of perfectionism with psychological distress (r = 0.52, p < 0.00). Besides, mental well-being was negatively correlated with impostor syndrome (r = −0.21, p = 0.005); negatively correlated with perfectionism (r = −0.56, p <0.001), and negatively correlated with psychological distress (r = −0.27, p < 0.001). As well, impostor syndrome showed a statistically significant negative impact on mental well-being (B = −0.20, SE = 0.07, t = −2.8, p = 0.005). Perfectionism emerged as the strongest predictor among the studied variables (B = −0.38, SE = 0.05, t = −8.6, p < 0.000). Similarly, psychological distress was found to have a significant negative impact on mental well-being (B = −0.20, SE = 0.05, t = −3.5, p < 0.000). Conclusion: Impostor syndrome and perfectionism are prevalent among mental health professionals, reflecting common psychological challenges. As well as impostor syndrome, perfectionism, and psychological distress were significantly interrelated and acted as significant negative predictors of mental well-being. The study recommended implementation of targeted psychological-based programs aimed at reducing impostor syndrome and maladaptive perfectionism among mental health professionals.