Exploring Imposter Syndrome and Loneliness Among IT Professionals: The Role of Workplace Stress as a Moderator

Abstract

Information technology (IT) is a key sector in modern India, attracting many young professionals. Software industry is a human capital industry and people working in the IT sector constantly have pressure to give services that are effective and inexpensive. Thus, IT professionals suffer from the double burden of giving effective services and managing the economic demands which further lead to mental health issues among IT professionals. This study examined how workplace stress influences the relationship between Imposter Syndrome (IS) and loneliness among IT professionals. The study was conducted on 160 IT professionals (84 males & 76 females) aged between 21-50 years and purposive sampling technique was employed to select the sample from Delhi and Bangalore states of India. Results showed a strong link between IS and loneliness, with workplace stress moderating this relationship. Gender differences were found across all variables, while age differences appeared only in loneliness and workplace stress.

In the fiercely competitive IT industry, recognizing and addressing these psychological factors will help in increasing worker happiness, productivity, and general performance. It highlights how crucial it is to adopt a comprehensive strategy and comprehend how many psychological elements interact to affect worker well-being.