Prevalence of the imposter phenomenon among chiropractors in South Africa: a cross-sectional survey.

IF 2.4 4区医学 Q2 REHABILITATION

Chiropractic & Manual Therapies Pub Date : 2026-07-03 DOI:10.1186/s12998-026-00665-9

Tasmiya Hassen, Christopher Yelverton

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Abstract

Background: The Imposter Phenomenon (IP)-doubting one's abilities despite clear achievements-is well-documented among healthcare professionals but has never been studied among practicing chiropractors, who face unique challenges including professional isolation and ambiguous healthcare identity. This study aimed to determine IP prevalence among South African chiropractors and investigate associations with age, gender, years of experience, and province.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey using the validated Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) was distributed via email to all 960 chiropractors registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa. Data were collected online from 25 March to 17 May 2024. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA were used; results are interpreted through effect sizes (Cohen's d) and 95% confidence intervals, with exact p-values reported as continuous evidence measures. Cronbach's alpha assessed reliability. The study followed STROBE and CHERRIES guidelines.

Results: Of 159 chiropractors (16.6% response rate), mean age was 37.8 years (SD = 10.8); 61.6% were female. Mean CIPS score was 50.78 (SD = 16.82), indicating moderate IP. Severity distribution: 33.3% few, 39.0% moderate, 22.6% frequent, 5.0% intense IP (66.6% at or above moderate threshold). Females scored higher than males (55.66 vs. 42.93; t(147.69)= - 5.25, p < 0.001; d = 0.85). Chiropractors ≤ 35 years scored higher than those > 35 years (53.52 vs. 47.95; t(152) = 2.05, p = 0.042; d = 0.33). Chiropractors with ≤ 10 years of experience showed a non-significant trend toward higher IP scores than those with > 10 years (52.90 vs. 47.94; two-tailed p = 0.066; d = 0.30). No provincial differences were found (F(3,155) = 0.62, p = 0.601). Cronbach's α was 0.94.

Conclusions: Moderate to intense IP affects two-thirds of chiropractors in this South African sample, particularly females and early-career practitioners. These findings highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions, mentorship, and peer support. This first study of IP among practicing chiropractors provides evidence for practitioner well-being initiatives with implications for chiropractic education, professional development, and retention.

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冒名顶替现象在南非脊医中的流行：一项横断面调查。

背景：冒名顶替现象（IP）——尽管有明显的成就，但怀疑自己的能力——在医疗专业人员中有充分的记录，但从未在执业脊医中进行过研究，他们面临着独特的挑战，包括专业隔离和模棱两可的医疗身份。本研究旨在确定南非脊医的IP患病率，并调查其与年龄、性别、经验年限和省份的关系。方法：采用经验证的Clance冒名者现象量表（CIPS）进行横断面调查，通过电子邮件向960名在南非联合卫生专业委员会注册的脊医进行调查。数据于2024年3月25日至5月17日在线收集。采用描述性统计、独立样本t检验和单因素方差分析；结果通过效应量（Cohen’s d）和95%置信区间来解释，准确的p值作为连续证据测量报告。Cronbach's alpha评估信度。这项研究遵循了STROBE和cherry的指导方针。结果：159名脊医（有效率16.6%），平均年龄37.8岁（SD = 10.8）；61.6%为女性。平均CIPS评分为50.78 (SD = 16.82)，为中度IP。严重程度分布：33.3%轻度，39.0%中度，22.6%频繁，5.0%强烈（66.6%达到或高于中度阈值）。女性得分高于男性（55.66比42.93）；t(147.69)= - 5.25, p = 35岁（53.52比47.95）；t(152) = 2.05, p = 0.042；d = 0.33)。经验≤10年的脊医IP得分高于经验≥10年的脊医，差异无统计学意义（52.90比47.94，双尾p = 0.066, d = 0.30）。各省间无差异（F(3155) = 0.62, p = 0.601）。Cronbach’s α为0.94。结论：在这个南非样本中，中度到重度的IP影响了三分之二的脊医，尤其是女性和早期从业人员。这些发现强调了有针对性的心理健康干预、指导和同伴支持的必要性。这是对执业脊医中知识产权的第一次研究，为从业者的福祉倡议提供了证据，对脊医教育、专业发展和保留有影响。

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来源期刊

Chiropractic & Manual Therapies Medicine-Complementary and Alternative Medicine

CiteScore

3.20

自引率

15.80%

发文量

审稿时长

20 weeks

期刊介绍： Chiropractic & Manual Therapies publishes manuscripts on all aspects of evidence-based information that is clinically relevant to chiropractors, manual therapists and related health care professionals. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies is an open access journal that aims to provide chiropractors, manual therapists and related health professionals with clinically relevant, evidence-based information. Chiropractic and other manual therapies share a relatively broad diagnostic practice and treatment scope, emphasizing the structure and function of the body''s musculoskeletal framework (especially the spine). The practices of chiropractic and manual therapies are closely associated with treatments including manipulation, which is a key intervention. The range of services provided can also include massage, mobilisation, physical therapies, dry needling, lifestyle and dietary counselling, plus a variety of other associated therapeutic and rehabilitation approaches. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies continues to serve as a critical resource in this field, and as an open access publication, is more readily available to practitioners, researchers and clinicians worldwide.