The contemporary world is marked by the rise of social networks and increased professional demands, generating considerable pressure on individuals. Among the most common psychological disorders are glossophobia, impostor syndrome, and anxiety, which significantly influence personal and professional life. This clinical case study explores these disorders in depth by analyzing the psychological and behavioral manifestations in a patient confronted with a stressful professional environment. Clinical assessment included semi-structured interviews and validated psychometric instruments, including the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Cungi Stress Reaction Scale, 16PF, DSM-5 criteria, and MINI assessment. The findings highlight the interconnection between occupational stress, professional expectations, personality, and the manifestation of psychological disorders. This analysis underscores the need for a multidimensional approach to help individuals overcome these challenges.
- Open Access
- Article
Occupational stress, Glossophobia, and Impostor Cognitions: An Integrative Clinical Case Study of Anxiety and Maladaptive Psychotropic Coping
Author Information
Received: 03 Apr 2026 | Revised: 30 May 2026 | Accepted: 25 Jun 2026 | Published: 29 Jun 2026
Abstract
Keywords
glossophobia | impostor syndrome | personality | coping | psychic dynamics
References
- 1.
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed.; American Psychiatric Publishing: Washington, DC, USA, 2013.
- 2.
Bodie, G.D. A Racing Heart, Rattling Knees, and Ruminative Thoughts: Defining, Explaining, and Treating Public Speaking Anxiety. Commun. Educ. 2010, 59, 70–105. https://doi.org/10.1080/03634520903443849.
- 3.
Bravata, D.M.; Watts, S.A.; Keefer, A.L.; et al. Prevalence, Predictors, and Treatment of Impostor Syndrome: A Systematic Review. J. Gen. Intern. Med. 2020, 35, 1252–1275. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-019-05364-1.
- 4.
Stein, M.B.; Walker, J.R.; Forde, D.R. Public Speaking Fears in a Community Sample. Am. J. Psychiatry 1996, 153, 90–95.
- 5.
Hofmann, S.G.; DiBartolo, P.M. (Eds.) Social Anxiety: Clinical, Developmental, and Social Perspectives, 2nd; Elsevier Academic Press : Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2010.
- 6.
Clance, P.R.; Imes, S.A. The Impostor Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention. Psychotherapy 1978, 15, 241–247. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0086006.
- 7.
Leary, M.R.; Patton, K.M.; Orlando, A.E.; et al. Impostorism and Interpersonal Behavior. J. Pers. 2000, 68, 725–756.
- 8.
Beck, J.S. Cognitive Therapy: Basics and Beyond; Guilford Press: New York, NY, USA, 1995.
- 9.
Clark, D.M.; Wells, A. A Cognitive Model of Social Phobia. In Social Phobia: Diagnosis, Assessment, and Treatment; Heimberg, R.G., Liebowitz, M.R., Hope, D.A., Eds.; Guilford Press: New York, NY, USA, 1995; pp. 69–93.
- 10.
Lazarus, R.S.; Folkman, S. Stress, Appraisal, and Coping; Springer: New York, NY, USA, 1984.
- 11.
Hamilton, M. The Assessment of Anxiety States by Rating. Br. J. Med. Psychol. 1959, 32, 50–55.
- 12.
Rosenberg, M. Society and the Adolescent Self-Image; Princeton University Press: Princeton, NJ, USA, 1965.
- 13.
Cungi, C. Savoir Gérer Son Stress; Retz: Paris, France, 1997. (In French)
- 14.
Sakulku, J.; Alexander, J. The Impostor Phenomenon. Int. J. Behav. Sci. 2011, 6, 73–92.
- 15.
Grebot, E. Stress et Santé au Travail: Approches Psychosociales et Cliniques; Dunod: Paris, France, 2019. (In French)
- 16.
Viaux, J.-L.; Bernaud, J.-L. Le harcèlement psychologique au travail: une recherche nationale auprès des victimes. Prat. Psychol. 2001, 4, 57–69. (In French)
- 17.
Ionescu, S.; Blanchet, A.; Chabrol, H. Traité de Psychologie Clinique et Psychopathologie; Dunod: Paris, France, 2003. (In French)
- 18.
Prochaska, J.O.; DiClemente, C.C. Stages and Processes of Self-Change of Smoking: Toward an Integrative Model of Change. J. Consult. Clin. Psychol. 1983, 51, 390–395.
- 19.
Dejours, C.; Molinier, P. Souffrance et Plaisir au Travail. In Travail et Citoyenneté; Six, J.-F., Ed.; Éditions de lʼAtelier: Paris, France, 1994. (In French)
- 20.
Carillo, C. 3/10 Stress et émotions, entre débordement et hyper-protection. Soins 2011, 754, 61–62. (In French)
- 21.
Hellriegel, D., Slocum, J. Management des Organisations, 2nd ed.; Do Boeck: Bruxelles, Belgique, 2012. (In French)
- 22.
Dejours, C.; Gernet, I. Le Facteur Humain: Clinique du Travail; PUF: Paris, France, 2012. (In French)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Suite 4002 Level 4, 447 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
General Inquiries: info@sciltp.com