The what and why of self-deception. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chance, Zoë; Norton, Michael I
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in psychology. Volume 6(2015)
• Page Start: 104
• Page End: 107
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Psychology -- Periodicals; 150.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2015.07.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-250X

Abstract

Highlights: We compare three types of definitions of self-deception. We present three hypotheses regarding the adaptive nature of self-deception. We review recent empirical research providing evidence for all three. Abstract : Scholars from many disciplines have investigated self-deception, but defining self-deception and establishing its possible benefits have been a matter of heated debate — a debate impoverished by a relative lack of empirical research. Drawing on recent research, we first classify three distinct definitions of self-deception, ranging from a view that self-deception is synonymous with positive illusions to a more stringent view that self-deception requires the presence of simultaneous conflicting beliefs. We then review recent research on the possible benefits of self-deception, identifying three adaptive functions: deceiving others, social status, and psychological benefits. We suggest potential directions for future research.