Impostor syndrome as a driver of burnout: a Bayesian latent trait analysis among early-career researchers

Abstract Work-related burnout is increasingly prevalent in modern society, with certain professionals, such as academics, particularly at risk. Although adverse working conditions are often considered the primary cause, individual psychological factors may also contribute to burnout vulnerability. Impostor syndrome (IS) is a plausible candidate in academic settings because persistent self-doubt and fear of negative evaluation can intensify stress responses. This study investigates whether IS is associated with higher levels of burnout among early-career researchers, drawing on survey data from 161 respondents. Using a Bayesian Graded Response Model, we estimate the effect of IS on burnout, while controlling for confounders identified via a Directed Acyclic Graph, that is socio-demographic factors, working conditions, and individual personal beliefs. Results show that IS is linked to an increased risk of burnout. This finding highlights the importance of considering not only contextual but also individual factors to create safe and healthy working environments.