PSYCHOLOGY MASTER'S THESIS ABSTRACT

Lisa Leung
Industrial/Organizational
Summer 2006

Using Perfectionism, Imposter Phenomenon and Occupational Field to Predict Job Burnout

The present study built upon previous suggestion that perfectionists and imposters (those who suffer from imposter phenomenon; IP) were at high risk for psychological distress.  The present study empirically examined the moderating effects of occupational field and/or IP on perfectionism, and their predictive ability regarding burnout; a more specific manifestation of psychological distress.  Samples were 139 male and female full-time employees from organizations throughout Southern California.  Results revealed an unprecedented correlation finding that imposters (those who score high in IP) are more likely to burnout.  Previous research reporting correlation between burnout and perfectionism, and burnout and occupational field were unsupported.  However, the exploratory analysis supported previous research that found respondents with higher perfectionism scores also had higher IP scores.

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