Impostor Phenomenon in University Teachers: Relationship among Burnout, Compassion Fatigue & Compassion Satisfaction

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the Impostor Phenomenon (IP) in university teachers and its relationship with Burnout (BO), Compassion Fatigue (CF) and Compassion Satisfaction (CS). A quantitative research design was used to examine if Burnout (BO), Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS), Compassion Satisfaction (CS) scores impacted Impostor Phenomenon (IP) and if there was a gender and marital status differences due to these scores. The sample size consisted of 280 university teachers from various universities of Pakistan, collected through convenience sampling. The data was analyzed using Correlation, Linear regression, Independent Sample t-test and Non-Parametric Man-Whitney U Test due to unequal distribution of categories. Results suggest that IP was positively related to BO and CF whereas it was negatively related to CS, when controlling years of work and age. Similarly, no significant gender difference was found between male and females on the variables of IP, CF, CS and BO. Whereas there was significant difference in marital status only on the variable of BO. Limitations of the study included homogeneity of sample, and self-report bias. This research provides additional information about the impact CF, CS and BO on IP in university teachers and has implications for their overall well-being. It would be helpful if future research continued exploring the relationship between these phenomena, by examining other contributing factors and gathering longitudinal data.