The Psychology of Self-Deceit: Why We Lie to Ourselves

Abstract:

Self-deceit is a psychological paradox in which individuals convince themselves of false beliefs despite contradictory evidence. While long debated, the mechanisms and purposes of self-deceit remain unsettled. Methods: This conceptual paper synthesizes experimental and theoretical literature, drawing on intentionalist and deflationary models, alongside empirical studies, to evaluate mechanisms and functions of self-deceit. Results: Findings suggest self-deceit operates as an unconscious process influenced by biases, emotions, and desires. A combined model better explains the paradox, supported by evidence from psychophysiological and cognitive load experiments. Three primary purposes are identified: enhancing deception toward others, preserving self-esteem, and serving as a defensive mechanism for self-preservation. Discussion: By merging intentionalist and deflationary perspectives, this analysis highlights the adaptive role of self-deceit in reducing cognitive load, maintaining psychological well-being, and facilitating social functioning. Conclusions: Self-deceit is best understood as a non-intentional psychological process in which conflicting beliefs are motivated by unconscious desires, simultaneously supporting self-validation, interpersonal deception, and ego protection. Understanding its mechanisms and purposes provides insights into human cognition, emotion, and behaviour.

Keywords:

Cognitive Load, Defence Mechanisms, Intentionalist Approach, Self-Deceit, Self-Esteem, Unconscious Processes.

Citation: Sarah Chi (2025). The Psychology of Self-Deceit: Why We Lie to Ourselves. Horizon J. Hum. Soc. Sci. Res. 7 (2), 210–215. https://doi.org/10.37534/bp.jhssr.2025.v7.n2.id1325.p210