Pathological Lying

[Jazzy]

In the field of mental health, pathological lying (PL) is controversial. The psychiatric community has yet to agree on a formal definition, although many core elements have been identified. In short, PL is characterized by a lifelong history of recurrent lying for which there is no psychological motive or external benefit. For instance, as ordinary lies are often goal-oriented to obtain an external benefit or to avoid punishment, pathological lies are often purposeless. In fact, sometimes pathological lies can be self-incriminating, making the behavior even more confusing.

PL is known for its incessant lies and the lack of benefit they produce. In fact, they are usually easily disprovable, although elaborate and complicated in nature. Often, the boundary of fiction and reality is blurred. Researchers have concluded that the behavior of lying seems to be gratification itself, with an internal reward for the liar.

Many debate whether or not pathological liars are able to recognize their own lies—some believe they can and others state they cannot. For some, pathological lying has been described as impulsive and unplanned; therefore, the pathological liar’s ability to control their behavior is doubtful. Also, the self-incrimination and repetitive nature of the lies further contributes to the liar’s inability to recognize their behavior. On the other hand, others state that if the liar is challenged persistently, they often recognize their lies, thus showing they have the ability to understand their behavior.

Source

Questions:

Do you know anyone who is a PL either in real life or online?

What, in your opinion, would cause this?

Do you think PL's recognize their own lies and have the ability to to change their behavior? Why/Why not?

 

[Nebulous]

Maybe lying comes natural to them, but what about a little will power?

 

[DrLeftover]

Questions:

Do you know anyone who is a PL either in real life or online?

What, in your opinion, would cause this?
Lust for power, greed, avoiding working a real job.

Do you think PL's recognize their own lies and have the ability to to change their behavior? Why/Why not?
Most probably lose the ability to recognize their own lies shortly after the swearing in ceremony.

The only chance of change is:

 

[DrLeftover]

excuse me one second while I de-evolve