Training and Education in Professional Psychology, Vol 19(2), May 2025, 116-123; doi:10.1037/tep0000503
Consistent with the theory of reasoned goal pursuit, the present study investigated whether impostor phenomenon feelings or self-perceived resilience was associated with intention to apply to graduate study in psychology. Undergraduate students majoring in psychology who held stronger beliefs and confidence in their ability (perceived behavioral control) were found to be more likely to engage in behaviors associated with applying for graduate study. A learning-oriented goal approach, characterized by a focus on mastery, was found to be significantly positively associated with both academic performance and positive career attitudes. In addition, students obtaining higher scores on a measure of resilience endorsed more constructive goal pursuit strategies and lower impostor phenomenon feelings. Findings highlight the importance of self-belief, resilience, and a mastery-oriented approach to learning in applying for graduate study in psychology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)