Translation and Cultural Adaptation of the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale into Urdu (CIPS-Urdu) for Use in Pakistan
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The Impostor Phenomenon (IP) is a psychological experience explained by persistent self-doubt and a fear of being exposed as a fraud despite of evident success. Although it is widely studied but there is a lack of culturally adapted instruments which limits its assessment in non-English-speaking populations. The present study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS; Clance, 1985) into Urdu for use in the Pakistani context. A methodological research design was employed using established guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation. The process followed 5 step model of translation including forward translation, synthesis, backward translation, expert committee review and pilot testing. Bilingual translators independently translated the scale into Urdu followed by reconciliation and back-translation to ensure accuracy of the translated version. An expert panel evaluated final translated version for semantic, idiomatic, experiential and conceptual equivalence, resulting in minor revisions to improve clarity and cultural relevance. The pre-final Urdu translated version of CIPS was pilot tested on a sample of Urdu-speaking participants who reported high levels of comprehensibility and clarity and suggested minor adjustments. The CIPS-Urdu was found to be linguistically accurate and culturally appropriate while maintained reliability with the original construct. Considering pre-established structural validity and reliability of CIPS-Urdu in Pakistani population, this study provides a standardized Urdu adaptation suitable for research in applied settings. This instrument aims to facilitate more inclusive assessment of impostor feelings in culturally sensitive psychological research in Pakistan.
Authors: Zafar, Nazia, Fatima, Noreen, Mustafa, Fuad
Institutions: Government Sadiq College Women University, Bahria University
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7217249334