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The many faces of lying.
1Tavistock Clinic, 120 Belsize Lane, London, NW3 5BA, UK. lemma@dircon.co.uk
The International Journal of Psycho-Analysis
|August 13, 2005
Summary
This study identifies three psychic functions of lying, including sadistic and self-preservative types, each addressing specific anxieties. Lying serves as a defense mechanism to manage interpersonal dynamics and internal psychological states.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychoanalysis
- Psychic Functions
Background:
- Lying is explored as a psychic function.
- Draws on Glasser's (1979) notions of self-preservative and sadistic violence.
- Identifies three selfobject configurations associated with lying.
Observation:
- Identifies three selfobject configurations associated with specific anxieties.
- Lies offer apparent solutions to these anxieties.
Findings:
- Sadistic lying: Attacks and triumphs over others, reversing personal humiliation.
- Self-preservative lying (two types): Creates an attractive self to elicit love or inserts a third to manage an overpowering relationship.
Implications:
- Understanding the psychological motivations behind deceptive behaviors.
- Provides insight into how individuals manage interpersonal anxieties through lying.
- Highlights the role of lies as a coping mechanism in relationships.