A study conducted by scientists at McGill University has revealed a link between pathological lying in adolescents and deficits in executive functioning. It was found that adolescents who lie chronically often suffer from memory problems and difficulty with impulse control.
Although sophisticated lying requires strong cognitive skills, researchers explain that deficits in executive functions—particularly in the areas of self-control and self-regulation—make it harder to resist the urge to lie.
What did the study show?
According to the research, difficulty in maintaining information in short-term memory and analyzing consequences pushes adolescents toward lying, as they find it hard to foresee the negative outcomes of their behavior. Furthermore, attention deficits and difficulties in impulse management were found to be clinically high among pathological liars.
The study involved more than 500 adolescents between the ages of 10 and 18 and their parents. Results showed that pathological liars told an average of 9.6 lies per day. Importantly, this behavior differs from antisocial personality disorder or conduct disorders; pathologically lying adolescents do not necessarily exhibit antisocial traits.
Research Perspective
These findings pave the way for new treatment methods. Instead of focusing solely on behavior, specialists may consider therapy oriented toward improving executive functions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Habit-Reversal Training.
These approaches will help adolescents better manage their impulses and gain a clearer understanding of the consequences of their actions.
