No ‘Post’: A Critical Exploration of the Role of Lifelong Racial Trauma in the Experience of Impostor Phenomenon Among Black Women Doctoral Students Enrolled in U.S. Predominantly White Institutions

This study explores how Black women doctoral students (BWDS) at U.S. predominantly White institutions (PWIs) experience imposter phenomenon (IP) in relation to lifelong racial trauma/race-based traumatic stress (RBTS). Using reflexive thematic analysis, we analyzed interviews with 10 participants (ages 27–50; M = 32.2). Grounded in a critical-ideological paradigm, intersectionality, and Critical Race Theory, findings revealed persistent gendered racism, cyclical racial trauma and IP, dehumanization through controlling images, struggles with visibility and belonging. Participants also described reclaiming visibility through resistance and community. Implications highlight the need for institutional change and enhanced supports to disrupt inequities and better support BWDS.