Posted by banga on April 18, 2005, at 16:13:52
In reply to Re: Compulsive Liars, posted by mattw84 on April 18, 2005, at 14:18:46
> Lying is usually a defense mechanism used to repress, project, displace, sublimate, or flat out deny insufficiences in one's life.
>
I was just thinking the same thing--that really the best place to look is into psychoanalytic or psychodynamic theories to understand this.Having said that, lies that convey grandiosity and self-importance are part of the definition of the DSM IV 'narcissistic personality disorder'.
In basis, they need to have 5 of the following traits/behaviors:-* grandiose sense of self-importance and exxaggeration of accomplishments and talents
-* preoccupied with fantasies of brilliant successs, ideal love, etc.
-* believe in their being very special, set apart from others, and seek to only associate with other superior individuals
-* require unending admiration
-* believe in their entitlement, that is, expect to be treated with favoritism and have their own way
-* might exploit others--use them to achieve their own ends.
-* lack empathy
-* envy is a big theme for them--eithier thinking others envy them, or, they are preoccupioed with envy of others.
-* can be arrogant and haughty.Antisocial personality disordered people also are great liars, but they do so deviously, to acheve their needs from others...and they do it knowingly. They will impersonate a doctor to get access to a hospital to steal, or get money. A means to a different end.
A narcissistic person would typically want the role of a doctor in and of itself, so they can shine and prove to themselves and others how superior and brilliant they are...
poster:banga
thread:485704
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050418/msgs/486069.html