Multidimensional Perfectionism and Academic Self-Efficacy as Predictors of Impostor Phenomenon among Undergraduate Student

The Impostor Phenomenon (IP) significantly impacts the mental well-being and academic experiences of undergraduate students; however, its complex relationship with perfectionism and academic self-efficacy remains inconsistently explored within the local Philippine educational context. This study employed a quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive-predictive correlational design to examine whether the dimensions of multidimensional perfectionism (self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed) and academic self-efficacy significantly predict the intensity of the Impostor Phenomenon among undergraduate students in the Davao Region. The sample consisted of 185 full-time undergraduate students. Data were collected using the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS), College Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (CASES), and Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS). Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships and estimate the extent to which multidimensional perfectionism and academic self-efficacy statistically predict impostor experiences. Results indicated that self-oriented perfectionism (r = 0.382, p = .001), socially prescribed perfectionism (r = 0.297, p = .001), and other-oriented perfectionism (r = 0.159, p = .031) were positively associated with the Impostor Phenomenon, whereas academic self-efficacy was negatively associated (r = -0.253, p = .001). Furthermore, self-oriented perfectionism emerged as the strongest positive predictor, and academic self-efficacy as the strongest negative predictor. These findings highlight that impostor feelings are most strongly predicted by harsh self-evaluation, underscoring the importance of fostering realistic academic standards and robust academic self-efficacy to mitigate impostor phenomenon experiences in higher education contexts.

Impostor phenomenon, multidimensional perfectionism, academic self-efficacy

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