Deenz Impostor Phenomenon Scale (DIPS)

Imposter syndrome refers to the persistent belief that one's achievements are undeserved and that success results from luck, timing, or external factors rather than ability or effort. Despite objective evidence of competence, individuals experiencing imposter syndrome often fear being exposed as a fraud, underestimate their accomplishments, and compare themselves unfavorably with others.

Although imposter syndrome is not classified as a mental disorder, research suggests it is associated with anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, low self-confidence, and chronic self-doubt. It can affect students, professionals, leaders, and high achievers across many areas of life.

The Deenz Impostor Phenomenon Scale (DIPS) was developed to provide a multidimensional evaluation of imposter-related thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. Rather than measuring a single characteristic, the assessment examines several psychological processes that commonly contribute to persistent feelings of being an imposter.

Read each statement carefully and respond as honestly as possible. There are no right or wrong answers. Choose the response that best reflects your typical thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.

The Deenz Impostor Phenomenon Scale (DIPS) consists of three assessment parts.

Part 1: Self-Perception

Dimensions: Self-Doubt (4 items), Competence (4 items), Self-Confidence (4 items), Self-Worth (4 items)

Total Items: 16

Response Scale:

0 = Not Me
1 = A Little Me

2 = Somewhat Me

3 = Mostly Me

4 = Definitely Me

Part 2: Thoughts About Success

Dimensions: Success Attribution (4 items), Fear of Being Exposed (4 items), Praise Acceptance (4 items), Social Comparison (4 items)

Total Items: 16

Response Scale:

0 = Never

1 = Rarely

2 = Sometimes

3 = Often

4 = Very Often

Part 3: Everyday Behaviors

Dimensions: Perfectionism (4 items), Overworking (4 items), Help Seeking (4 items), Risk Taking (4 items)

Total Items: 16

Response Scale:

0 = Never

1 = Rarely

2 = Sometimes

3 = Often

4 = Almost Always

Each dimension contains one reverse-scored item.

Raw Score Range:
0–192

Percentage Score = (Raw Score ÷ 192) × 100

Dimension scores are converted into percentages (0–100). Higher scores indicate stronger imposter syndrome characteristics.

I doubt myself.

I question my abilities.

I feel less capable than others.

I trust my abilities.

I feel competent.

I can handle difficult tasks.

I solve problems well.

I often feel incapable.

I believe in myself.

I feel confident at work or school.

I expect to do well.

I lack confidence.

I feel worthy of success.

I deserve recognition.

I value myself.

I feel like I am not good enough.

I think my success is mostly luck.

I underestimate my achievements.

I feel my success is accidental.

I believe I earn my success.

I worry people will discover I am not as capable as they think.

I fear being exposed as a fraud.

I worry about disappointing others.

I rarely fear being exposed.

I find compliments hard to believe.

I dismiss praise quickly.

I feel uncomfortable receiving recognition.

I accept compliments easily.

I compare myself with others.

I believe others are more capable than me.

I feel I fall short of others.

I focus on my own progress.

I check my work repeatedly.

I avoid making mistakes.

I feel my work must be perfect.

I accept "good enough."

I work harder than others to prove myself.

I spend extra time preparing.

I keep working after finishing.

I know when to stop working.

I hesitate to ask for help.

I worry asking questions makes me look incompetent.

I avoid admitting I don't know something.

I ask for help when I need it.

I avoid new opportunities because I might fail.

I avoid challenges unless I feel fully prepared.

I turn down opportunities because I doubt myself.

I am willing to try new challenges.