Document Type

Honors Thesis

Semester of Graduation

Spring 2026

Abstract

Cannabis use among college students has become increasingly prevalent, with coping being
one of the primary motives for use. Imposter syndrome, characterized by persistent self-doubt
and fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of competence, is particularly common
among students. Given its association to social anxiety and social anxiety’s relation to coping
motives and cannabis-related problems, imposter syndrome may contribute to coping-motivated
cannabis use and related problems. Yet, no known research has examined the impact of race
on the relation of imposter syndrome and cannabis use behaviors among Black and non-
Hispanic/Latine White students. The current sample included 215 participants (48.4% Black)
who endorsed past three month cannabis use. The results indicated that imposter syndrome
was positively associated with cannabis use-related problems, coping-motivated cannabis use
(coping-negative affect, coping-social anxiety), racism, and social anxiety, but not cannabis use
frequency (typical use, past week use). These associations differed by race: among Black
students, imposter syndrome was associated with both coping motives, racism, and social
anxiety, but not cannabis use related problems or use frequency; among White students,
imposter syndrome was associated with cannabis use related problems, coping-negative affect,
racism, and social anxiety, but not coping-social anxiety or use frequency. Contrary to
hypotheses, White students reported higher levels of imposter syndrome, whereas Black
students reported greater coping-negative affect motives and racism. Race did not statistically
significantly moderate the associations between imposter syndrome and cannabis outcomes.
Findings from this research could inform targeted prevention and intervention strategies for
Black students at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs), addressing the potential impact of
imposter syndrome on their cannabis use and related problems.

Awardee Name

Lan Qiu

Academic Major

Psychology & Interdisciplinary Studies

Project Mentor

Julia Buckner

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