Psychological portrait and basic personalities of pathological liars

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychological characteristics of pathological liars by examining the influence of Machiavellianism, emotional stability, extraversion, subjective control, gender differences, and underlying motivations on manipulative behaviours through surveys and personality assessments.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach was employed to gather data from 80 participants (40 males, 40 females, aged 24-65) via questionnaires, which included the MACH-IV, Leonhard-Schmieszek Test, and Rotter’s Locus of Control. Online surveys required 15 minutes for completion, with exclusion criteria pertaining to psychiatric problems.

Results

Machiavellianism had a robust correlation with manipulative behaviour (r = 0.65, p < .001). Extraversion (r = 0.68, p < .001) and inadequate emotional stability (r = -0.53, p < .01) emerged as significant predictors. A greater sense of subjective control is associated with reduced manipulation (r = -0.42, p < .01). Males exhibited more extraversion (M = 24.5, SD = 4.3) and emotional stability (M = 27.4, SD = 4.0) compared to females (M = 21.8, SD = 3.6; M = 29.1, SD = 3.8).

Conclusions

The research points out the important role of personality qualities such as emotional stability and extraversion in comprehending inclinations towards lying and manipulation. These insights enhance the comprehension of pathological lying and facilitate improved psychological evaluations and therapies for manipulative behaviours. Future studies may investigate the influence of empathy and social factors in generating these tendencies.