Why do so many students and academics worry that they are imposters? Is it normal to experience this kind of self-doubt? This episode explores:

The difference between imposter syndrome and imposter phenomenon.

How we can better understand imposter syndrome.

Why it strikes some people.

How to recognize it when it does.

Tips for helping others and ourselves.


Our guest is: Dr Darragh McCashin, who is an Assistant Professor in the School of Psychology at Dublin City University (DCU), and is interested in digital youth mental health, and clinical/forensic applications of technology. Previously, Darragh was a Marie Curie Fellow/PhD student at University College Dublin (UCD), examining technology-enabled youth mental health within the EU H2020-funded TEAM-ITN project, specifically the role of technology-assisted cognitive behavioural therapy for children using mixed methodologies. A second strand to Darragh’s research is that of forensic/criminal psychology. With an MSc in Applied Forensic Psychology (University of York), Darragh has previously worked as an Associate Lecturer and Research Assistant in the Online-Protect research group at the University of Lincoln case formulation tools for those with convictions for internet sexual offences.
With respect to policy-making, Darragh is currently the taskforce leader for Mental Health of Researchers within the Policy Working Group of the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA), and co-founded the researcher mentoring programme Referent. Darragh also sits on two COST Actions: Researcher Mental Health Observatory (CA19117; Working Group Chair), and the European Network for Problematic Usage of the Internet (CA16207; management committee member for Ireland).
Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, a historian of women and gender.
Listeners to this episode may also be interested in:


How We Show Up: Reclaiming Family, Friendship and Community, by Mia Birdsong


It’s a Wonderful Life: Insights on Finding a Meaningful Existence, by Frank Martela


Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself, by Nedra Glover Tawwab


The Rejection That Saved My Life, by Jessica Bacal

The Academic Life podcast on belonging and the science of creating connection and bridging divides

The Academic Life podcast Dealing With Rejection

The Academic Life podcast On The Museum of Failure


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