The stress reducing effects of Mindfulness practise is well established and mindfulness meditation has been shown to produce significantly different cardiovascular and autonomic effects then relaxation training.
The impact of mindfulness practice on imposter syndrome is a novel area of study, made even more novel by this current research with a focus on the acting population.
This study explored if Actors score highly on the Clance Imposter Phenomena Scale (CIPS), & The
Performance Anxiety Scale (CSAI-2).
Results showed that the Actor participants in this study, (N = 67,) all scored highly on the Imposter Phenomena scale (M = 67.1, SD = 14.4). Correlation tests were conducted with the IP Scale and Subscales of CSAI-2, finding that scores of Imposter Phenomena and Self-Confidence were negatively correlated to a high level of significance and a large effect, Pearson’s r (67) = .62, p < .001.
A 6-day Mindfulness course was completed to explore the Hypothesis of whether it impacts on their feelings of Imposterism.
Qualitative analysis was also gathered via interviews and self-reporting.
A paired analysis was also conducted to compare pre and post intervention, showing reductions in IP to a small to medium effect.
While the effects are limited within the population sample, the findings suggest that, through mindfulness practise, actors may experience a broader state of awareness that facilitates empowering interpretations of the condition and what causes it, leading to greater understanding and substantially reduced distress.
Study findings have implications for Mindfulness applications and the possibility that Mindfulness could be developed as an effective intervention for sufferers of IP in the acting community.
Key words: Impostorism, imposter phenomenon, fear, perfectionism, mindfulness, emotions, guilt, self-conscious emotions, negative emotions, anxiety, fear of failure, achievement values, psychological distress.
