“Impostor phenomenon” (IP), commonly termed “impostor syndrome”, is a phenomenon which can negatively impact career outcomes and employees’ well-being.  Historically, it was thought that women suffered from IP more often and more acutely than men. It has since been shown that under-represented groups in professional and academic settings are likely to be more susceptible to IP. One group for which IP may be particularly pertinent is military veterans; a minority with its own set of norms and values, culture and language.  The culture within most militaries remains one of stoic machismo which lends itself to the fast paced, aggressive and violent work of waging war. This leads to concepts such as weakness (be that moral, emotional or physical) being suppressed, ridiculed and feared. Further, the fear of appearing weak, coupled with the de-centralised support systems in the civilian world, mean that veterans are less likely to successfully get help for any feelings of IP or associated mental health issues such as loneliness or depression.  This study seeks to ascertain the extent to which, and in what ways, IP manifest in the veteran community and how the individual sufferer and the organisations they join might identify IP and mitigate its effects.

31 December 2024