Application of the guilty-knowledge technique in a case of pseudologia fantastica

Abstract

The condition of pseudologia fantastica is described. The case history is presented of a 36-year-old man who, for more than 20 years, has systematically practised deceipt to obtain both a more desirable persona and pecuniary advantage. On the EPQ he tests as extremely high on Toughmindedness (P), Neuroticism (N) and Criminality (C), thereby supporting the psychiatric view that pseudologes have much in common with psychopathic and personality-disordered groups. A study using the guilty- knowledge technique is described, testing the hypothesis that Mr S can lie and deceive with complete ease, undetectable by physiological (GSR) responses. This hypothesis is firmly rejected, the results suggesting on the contrary that pseudologes experience far more unease or guilt than has been previously assumed. A model of the pseudologe's behaviour is outlined in which the observed belief in an almost delusional system is initiated and maintained by the anxiety and guilt reduction that it affords.