It’s no secret that everyone lies from time to time, but some people become so adept at lying that it becomes second nature and potentially puts their personal and professional lives at risk.
Pathological lying, clinically called factitious disorder, is a condition characterized by compulsive inventions and a lack of remorse, usually to advance career or social status.
Republican congressional freshman George Santos — who has passed Anthony Devolder, Anthony Zabrovsky and Kitara Ravache in the past — has come under fire for fabricating much of his resume, education, career, love life and family history.
One of Santos’ most blatant lies is that he is of Jewish descent and that the 9/11 terrorist attacks “claimed my mother’s life” – while his campaign website said she worked in the South Tower and fled her office in time and later died. of cancer.
Rep. George Santos’ web of lies had already jeopardized his political career as other New York Republicans called for his resignation. There is no indication that Mr. Santos does not suffer from any of these traits
He also said that his mother was Jewish and that his maternal Jewish grandparents escaped the Holocaust by moving to Brazil.
But genealogical records show that his maternal grandparents were Catholics born in Brazil. He also lied that four of his employees were killed in the horrific shooting at Pulse nightclub.
Dr Drew Curtis, of Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, and an expert in the psychology of pathological lying, told DailyMail.com: “With pathological liars, lying usually causes more problems in their lives, so they lose their jobs .or losing family. [There’s] real disability in functioning and they don’t like doing it… but mostly it serves their career and life.”
Even the most jaded voters and public figures in Washington are shocked by the extent of the deception, which for many is an integral part of politics today. Mr. Santos’ lies gained him great fame and the subject of ridicule on late-night comedy talk shows.
But a compulsive lying pattern is no harmless fodder for comedians. It has a psychological basis.
Research shows that pathological lying can be not only a mask for insecurity, but also a defense mechanism.
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Many people lie to protect themselves from uncomfortable situations or conflicts.
This is often seen in children who lie to avoid trouble or unpleasant consequences or punishment.
Others lie compulsively to advance financially and professionally, for example by inflating their achievements. In fact, 13 percent of people think they are pathological liars or say others think they are pathological liars.
Compulsive lying may indicate that the person doing it has suffered emotional trauma or has a history of neglect; It can stem from severe insecurity or even a mental or mood disorder, say experts.
Munchausen syndrome, for example, is a mental illness characterized by pathological lying, faking an illness or consciously causing symptoms of illness in order to be the center of attention and gain sympathy.
Dr. Curtis said: “One of the things that creates disorder is that lies are reinforced, we pay attention to that.
“So if someone lies about being sick or lies about absurd made-up things, we pay more attention to it. And that attention can reinforce the behavior.”
Reinforcing a compulsive pattern of lying can mean something as innocuous as reporting the absurdity of the lies. For many people, any press is good press. If the lie impresses or elicits sympathy, that behavior is encouraged.
Dr. Curtis and his research partner Dr. Christian Hart, a professor at Texas Woman’s University, argues that man-made disorders should be classified as a distinct diagnosis in psychology.
They claim that it results in clinically significant impairments in social, occupational or other functioning, causes stress and poses a risk to the person lying or others around them.
The classification as a separate psychological diagnosis would also open the door to further treatment options, such as B. cognitive behavioral therapy and insurance coverage.
Dr. Curtis said, “Part of lying is predicting a future, you’re predicting if I lie now, it will spare that person negative feelings or it will give me an impression.” But some people who lie, even pathological liars, will say the moment they lied it relieved their anxiety.”
the Dr. Curtis and Dr. Hart are experts on the psychology behind pathological lying. They argue that because of the severe impact it has on people’s lives, the condition should be considered a psychological diagnosis in its own right rather than a facet of a personality disorder.
“When there is no need or regret, it can look like psychopathy or antisocial personality disorder. Someone is lying for their own benefit.’
Dr. Curtis and Dr. Hart also argues that a true pathological liar maintains this pattern for six months.
Mr. Santos has clarified many aspects of his life since he first ran for Congress in 2020.
DR. Hart told the Washington Post, “In one study, we found that low self-esteem is one of the strongest personality indicators of a person’s propensity to lie — and hence that ever-present sense of inadequacy and worry that you won’t keep up .” on.’
“On the other hand, we have done other research that suggests that a type of dark, manipulative personality is also associated with high levels of lying. These people see everyone as a pawn in their game and they like to manipulate people to get exactly what they want.’
George Santos’ lies endanger his political career. In response to public pressure, he resigned from his committee mandate in the House of Representatives, and members of his own party are calling for his resignation.
In an environment where telling the truth is a given, Congressman Santos is an extreme case and his professional survival is at stake.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
