Deception and self-deception.

Abstract

Deception may be of two sorts, the attempted deceiving of another person, or the attempted deceiving of oneself. Both seem to be possible of achievement and each is distinguished by its own circumstances and its own difficulties. The present communication concerns itself in the main with deception of self. A modified Erlanger sphygmomanometer combined with a modified Jacquet and MacKenzie polygraph were used in securing a graphic record of heart and respiratory action while experimental psychic stimuli were given. Records secured in delinquency cases indicated clearly that the attempt to deceive another person is accompanied by corresponding changes in the pulse rate, blood pressure, and respiration. These changes do not recur in response to the stimulus question after confession. Cases of psychosis, especially with hallucinations and delusions, were limited. They seemed to warrant, however, the statement that hallucinations and delusions are true experiences and therefore carry with them a degree of conviction as to their reality which precludes the changes in blood pressure, pulse rate, or respiration which accompany conscious deception. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)