Caring for the Whole Self: Analyzing the Relationship Between Graduate Students’ Involvement on Campus and the Onset of Imposter Syndrome

The purpose of this study was to enhance the current understanding of Imposter Syndrome in the context of student involvement on campus, specifically the University of San Diego’s (USD) graduate student population in an effort to better understand how higher education institutions can support students’ growing mental health concerns and take action to add or adjust current resources to benefit those who may need it. The research question that guided this inquiry was if a graduate student’s level of involvement on campus affects one\u27s mental health, specifically, the onset and prevalence of Imposter Syndrome? My findings suggest that there is a slight correlation between the level of student involvement and the severity to which this mental health issue is prevalent. By focusing on this prevalent issue through the lens of Higher Education, I was able to connect developmental and psychological theories together to guide the work that I would do in my personal and professional life