Effectiveness of kettlebell training on imposter syndrome among collegiate athletes

Imposter syndrome is a psychological condition characterized by persistent self-doubt, fear of being exposed as a fraud, and difficulty internalizing achievements despite objective success. Collegiate athletes are particularly vulnerable due to competitive environments, performance pressure, and constant comparison with peers. Approximately 22–30% of collegiate athletes report significant imposter syndrome symptoms, which may negatively impact confidence, psychological well-being, and athletic performance. While psychological therapies such as counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy are commonly used, exercise-based interventions targeting mental health remain underexplored.

Kettlebell training is a dynamic, functional resistance exercise method that integrates strength, endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and neuromuscular coordination through full-body movements such as swings, squats, presses, lunges, and Turkish get-ups. Beyond physical benefits, structured resistance training may enhance self-efficacy, stress regulation, and overall psychological well-being. However, limited research has examined the specific impact of kettlebell training on imposter syndrome among collegiate athletes.

This experimental pre–post study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-week kettlebell training program in reducing imposter syndrome levels among collegiate athletes aged 18–25 years. Sixty participants with moderate to high scores on the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) will be recruited and randomly allocated into an experimental group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). The experimental group will undergo supervised kettlebell training three times per week for 6 weeks in addition to conventional sports training, while the control group will continue conventional training alone.

Imposter syndrome levels will be assessed before and after the intervention using CIPS. The primary outcome will be the change in imposter syndrome scores after 6 weeks. This study aims to explore kettlebell training as a feasible, non-pharmacological intervention to enhance psychological well-being among collegiate athletes.