Impostor Phenomenon and Emotional Cost as Predictors of Biomedical Research Career Intentions (Poster 39)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 8:00 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Learning and Motivation in STEM

Abstract

Biomedical research trainees face a multitude of barriers in their educational journey, with many leaving research pathways despite extensive preparation. Two threats to their persistence explored in this paper are the Impostor Phenomenon (IP) and the emotional cost of continuing. Bivariate correlations, simple and multiple linear regression models were conducted to examine the relationship between these threats and intentions to pursue a career in biomedical research. Both IP and emotional cost uniquely predicted trainee intentions to drop out of research career paths. The relationship between emotional cost and intentions to pursue a biomedical research career was moderated by trainees who reported higher (vs. lower) levels of fixed mindset. The paper explores implications and future directions.

Authors

• Madeline Celeste O'Grady, University of Texas at Austin

• Katherine M. Muenks, University of Texas at Austin

• Kevin O'Neal Cokley, University of Michigan

• Hwa-Young Lee, MD Anderson Cancer Center

• Melinda Yates, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Cheryl Anderson, MD Anderson Cancer Center

• Shine Chang, MD Anderson Cancer Center