Background
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.
Procedure
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.
Scoring & Interpretation
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.
Deenz Impostor Phenomenon Scale (DIPS) Questionnaire
Below is the Deenz Impostor Phenomenon Scale (DIPS), a digitally adapted 48- items self-assessment questionnaire.