Prevalence of imposter phenomenon among chiropractic students at a South African university: A cross-sectional survey.

Objective: Imposter phenomenon (IP), characterized by feelings of incompetence and self-doubt, is common among high-achieving individuals, including students. As chiropractic students transition into practice, they must develop clinical skills and confidence as IP can impair their decision making and patient interactions. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of IP among chiropractic students at a South African university and assess whether factors such as age, year of study, and clinical experience influence its occurrence. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed, using an online survey completed by bachelor and master of health science chiropractic students (n = 258). The survey collected demographic information and included the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) to measure IP. Scores were rated on a scale of 100 with higher scores reflecting more frequent IP experiences. Data analysis involved frequency and descriptive statistics, reliability testing (Cronbach alpha), and demographic comparisons of IP scores. Results: The survey achieved a 47% response rate (n = 122) with 81% of respondents being female and ages ranging from 18 to 38 years. Most respondents (62%) lacked clinical experience. The mean CIPS score was 66.25 (SD = 17.02), suggesting frequent IP experiences. No significant differences in IP were observed across age, year of study, or clinical experience. Reliability testing yielded a strong Cronbach alpha of 0.94. Conclusion: Frequent IP experiences were identified among chiropractic students, potentially linked to challenges in developing knowledge and skills. These findings highlight the importance of offering targeted support to enhance students' sense of competence and confidence, aiding their professional growth.