Pseudologia Phantastica (Lies)

The American Psychiatric Association recently reported the findings of a research project on dishonesty. They found that 13% of respondents could be identified as pathological liars (telling 10 or more lies every day). The condition is officially known as “pseudologia phantastica,” and more than half of those with this “condition” have engaged in pathological lying for greater than 5 years.

Perhaps the numbers are skewed just a bit since it is an election year.

Lies are frequently told to avoid experiences like emotional discomfort and embarrassment or to improve self-esteem. Respondents reported that their cascade of mistruth frequently “grew from an initial lie.” But any temporary benefit in dishonesty is quickly overwhelmed by its consequences. Lying was found to have negative psychological, occupational, and financial outcomes.

But the greatest damage was found in social relationships. Researchers summarized this fact by explaining: “This finding was not surprising, because deception often damages trust, especially when used to conceal a transgression.”

Scripture says that “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).