What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Common treatments for Imposter Syndrome, such as improvisation workshops and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), work by enhancing self-confidence and reducing self-doubt. Improvisation workshops provide a safe space for individuals to practice spontaneous thinking and public speaking, which helps reduce anxiety and build self-efficacy. CBT helps patients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, replacing them with more realistic and positive beliefs about their abilities. These interventions are crucial for Imposter Syndrome patients as they address the core issues of fraudulence and self-doubt, leading to improved mental health and career satisfaction.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for Imposter Syndrome include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interventions aimed at enhancing self-confidence and reducing self-doubt, such as improvisation workshops. Known side effects of these psychological interventions are generally minimal but can include temporary increases in anxiety or emotional discomfort as individuals confront and work through their self-doubt and negative self-perceptions. These effects are typically short-lived and decrease as the individual progresses through the therapy.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

There are no FDA-approved treatments specifically for Imposter Syndrome. However, treatments that address related symptoms such as self-doubt and lack of self-confidence often include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychotherapeutic interventions. These therapies aim to improve self-esteem and reduce negative thought patterns. The study on improvisation workshops for medical trainees is exploring a novel, non-pharmacological approach to mitigate these symptoms by enhancing self-confidence and reducing self-doubt.

What other types of research exist?

Promising, novel alternatives to improvisation workshops for treating Imposter Syndrome include: 1) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which targets maladaptive thinking and can improve self-concept and social skills. 2) Video self-confrontation, which involves observing and reacting to video replays of oneself to reduce anxiety and improve self-awareness. 3) Audio feedback with cognitive preparation, which can be used to treat social anxiety and enhance self-confidence.

← Back to Search

Improvisation Workshops for Imposter Syndrome

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Esther Bui, MD

Research Sponsored by University Health Network, Toronto

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 3 months

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial explores whether improvisation workshops can help medical trainees at the University of Toronto feel more confident and less doubtful about their abilities. The workshops involve spontaneous activities that encourage quick thinking in a supportive setting.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for full-time medical trainees at the University of Toronto who feel like impostors despite evidence of their competence. It's not open to those involved in similar improv studies or activities, or part-time students.

What is being tested?

The study tests if improvisation workshops throughout an academic year can help reduce feelings associated with imposter syndrome among medical trainees, using a scale called CIPS to measure changes.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this intervention involves participation in workshops rather than medication, typical drug side effects are not expected. Participants may experience discomfort or anxiety during social and performance-based activities.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 3 months

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~3 months

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 3 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Impostor phenomenon score

Secondary study objectives

Burnout

Perceived stress score

Resilience score

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Improvisation WorkshopsExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will take part in an improvisation curriculum containing a uniquely designed series of flexibly-timed improvisation workshops administered during the study period. Using published guidelines, workshops will have groups of approximately 10 study participants and last on average 2 hours under the instruction of an expert medical improvisation facilitator.

Group II: ObservationalActive Control1 Intervention

Treatment

First Studied

Drug Approval Stage

How many patients have taken this drug

Improvisation Workshop

2022

N/A

~200

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for Imposter Syndrome, such as improvisation workshops and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), work by enhancing self-confidence and reducing self-doubt. Improvisation workshops provide a safe space for individuals to practice spontaneous thinking and public speaking, which helps reduce anxiety and build self-efficacy. CBT helps patients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, replacing them with more realistic and positive beliefs about their abilities. These interventions are crucial for Imposter Syndrome patients as they address the core issues of fraudulence and self-doubt, leading to improved mental health and career satisfaction.

Comparison of verbal reinforcement with information feedback in analogue psychotherapy.A Randomized Trial of Brief Online Interventions to Facilitate Treatment Seeking for Social Anxiety.Is stuttering a contraindication to psychotherapy?