(357) Focus Group Analysis for Remediating Factors of IP Scores

Objective :

Objective: Imposter phenomenon (IP) is associated with high performing individuals who present with self-criticism, achievement pressures, fraudulent ideals, and negative emotions. IP is easy to identify with the Clance IP Scale (CIP), but finding literature on dealing with IP feelings is more difficult. The objective was to identify potential interventions to reduce the impact of IP in pharmacy students.

Methods:

Method: Students were given the CIP between 10/11-10/25/2023. Those completing the survey, received an invitation to participate in focus groups. Students expressing interest were randomized to two dates in 2024. At the focus group, students were given the CIP, information on IP, and participated in focus groups utilizing the Delphi method. Thematic analysis was used to group similar data. Descriptive statistics described the themes.

Results:

Results: Students in group one scored 74, 70, 54, and 70 (average 67), while students in group two scored 76, 69, and 75 (average 70). The median IP for the sample of pharmacy students was 70. When dealing with feelings related to IP, six students recommended removal of self from stress/use of a distractor, five students discussed peer input/review, three students reported calling parents, and three students said reflecting on past experiences. When dealing with situations to control feelings of IP, six students said self-gratification, six students talked to their support system, and three students discussed completion of the stressor.

Conclusions:

Conclusion: Data suggests IP impacts people of all backgrounds. These focus groups suggested removal of stress, a strong support system, and self-gratification could result in reduced feelings of IP. Future directions include exploring the implementation of such interventions and evaluating the IP impact.