I NEED TO WORK HARD! IMPOSTOR PHENOMENON AND BURNOUT MODERATED BY PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20319/icssh.2026.643670Keywords:
Phenomenon, Workaholism, Burnout, Psychological CapitalAbstract
Although the study of the relationships among the impostor phenomenon, workaholism, and burnout has been widespread, most existing research has examined these variables only in pairs, while the process through which the impostor phenomenon may indirectly lead to burnout via workaholism remain understudied. Drawing on the JD-R model, this study views the impostor phenomenon as a form of personal resource depletion, while workaholism is conceptualized as a personal demand that increases strain and heightens burnout risk. Furthermore, we examine psychological capital as a boundary condition, moderating the relationship between workaholism and burnout. Based on a sample of 112 employees in Taiwan, the results demonstrate that impostor phenomenon enhances workaholism, which subsequently increases burnout, and the moderated mediation analysis reveals that psychological capital weakens the positive relationship between workaholism and burnout. These findings help clarify critical pathways of impostor-driven burnout and offer practical guidance for supporting early-career employees’ psychological well-being.
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