COVID-19 Lockdown on Quiet Ego and Impostor Syndrome

The Impostor Syndrome (IS), characterized by intense feelings of self-doubt and a fear of being exposed as 'fraud' is being increasingly reported among Gen Z (Goel, 2021). It involves the person being excessively concerned with their social image due to their feelings of inadequacy. In other words, they remain in a perpetual state of heightened self-consciousness. A way to counter the experience of IS would be to turn down the volume of their ego and develop a more balanced sense of self-perception while being more accommodative of others in their environment. Quiet Ego (QE) is a self-identity that counters the loudness exuded by egotism. It is nurtured through deliberate selfreflection which people of the fast-paced world seldom have the time to engage in. The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown, however brought a temporary cessation to the drill. Drastic changes in the working arrangement, a feeling of being imprisoned at home, a constant threat of being affected by the virus has affected the lives of people in many ways. The present study aimed at exploring the relationship between IS and QE among Gen Z and the effect of lockdown on QE. The study was conducted using a mixed model research design, in two phases. Quantitative data from 76 participants were analysed using Pearson correlation and simple linear regression. Qualitative data from an in- depth interview of 44 participants were thematically analysed through manual coding. No significant correlation or regression between the two variables was found. The qualitative analysis yielded the themes under two major aspects-interpersonal (close circle & global community) and intrapersonal (engagement, outcome of introspection, effects of personality). The subthemes of the same are elucidated along with the implications.