"Curtis and Hart define lying as an intentional act to make someone believe something the liar doesn't believe to be true, which can "become monstrous lies to cover lies, to cover lies.""
"In 2022, Curtis and Hart interviewed 653 people to determine how many lies a day they consider typical or characteristic of the general populace, and at what point the number of lies told becomes a "problem." Respondents reported telling an average of one to two lies a day. This is consistent with previous studies, as is the number of lies told per day (nine or more) that warrant labeling a liar as habitual, compulsive, or pathological."
"Curtis and Hart differentiate between pathological excessive lying and lying due to a personality disorder. They consider lying pathological if it impairs the liar's functioning, harms others, and brings distress, risk, or danger to others. They note that for pathological liars, compulsion to lie in the moment reduces anxiety and brings momentary feelings of relief, but afterwards it may lead to remorse and feelings of guilt."
"Prolific liars score high on Machiavellianism and Disengagement scales and low on HEXACO characteristics. People lie when the truth gets in the way of more important goals. Prolific liars may lie pathologically or due to personality disorders."
Clinicians have long described frequent lying using terms such as pseudologia fantastica and mythomania. Lying is defined as an intentional act meant to make someone believe something the liar does not believe to be true, which can escalate into layered deception. In a 2022 survey of 653 people, respondents reported telling about one to two lies per day, while nine or more lies per day marked a shift toward habitual, compulsive, or pathological labeling. Pathological excessive lying is characterized by impaired functioning, harm to others, and distress, risk, or danger. Compulsion to lie can reduce anxiety and produce brief relief, followed by remorse and guilt. Prolific liars may lie pathologically or because of personality disorders, including patterns linked to personality traits and motivations.
Read at Psychology Today
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