DEVELOPMENT AND PSYCHOMETRIC VALIDATION OF THE FORMAN IMPOSTOR SYNDROME SCALE (FISS)

Abstract

The study aimed to develop and psychometrically validate the Forman Impostor Syndrome Scale (FISS) among university-going young adults aged 18-29 years across Lahore, Punjab. As part of a mixed methods research design, the study was conducted in two phases. Phase one comprised item generation through two focus group discussions with the study sample and subject-matter experts, face validity evaluation, and pilot testing, resulting in an initial pool of 73 items. Phase two established the psychometric validation of the scale through content validity ratings by eight subject-matter experts, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), factor labeling, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency analysis, and construct validity assessment. The sample was divided into two parts. Sample 1, composed of N = 330 young adults, was used to explore the factor structure, resulting in a three-factor solution with 32 items. A separate sample of N = 160 participants was used for CFA and construct validity assessment through Pearson Product Moment Correlation. CFA further supported the three-factor structure of the FISS and provided additional evidence for its factorial validity and psychometric adequacy. The internal consistency of the scale was α = .95. Findings indicated very strong positive correlations between the total scores and factors of the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) and the FISS. Moreover, discriminant validity was established through strong negative correlations between the FISS and its subscales and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The FISS offers a psychometrically sound measure for assessing impostor syndrome and supporting future academic research and practice.