Why do Compulsive Liars Lie?

Most likely, you may have met a person who constantly lies about everything, no matter how big or small, and it just never seems to stop. Often, we find these individuals annoying and struggle to understand why lying has become such a habit for them. These constant liars – who can’t seem to control the urge to lie – are called compulsive liars. Diving deeper behind why compulsive liars feel the need to lie, it’s clear that there is an uncontrollable urge stemming from psychological factors. 

By social standards, a compulsive liar is someone who cannot seem to stop lying. Every time a compulsive liar speaks, it seems surreal and hard to believe. From a normal person’s point of view, it seems completely reasonable. From a psychologist’s viewpoint, however, a compulsive liar is defined by their experiences that lead them to lie without control. Compulsive liars have an urge to continuously tell lies because this is something they have grown accustomed to over time. But, this absolutely does not mean that compulsive liars are mentally ill, dishonest, or lying to manipulate. 

Examining the development of why compulsive liars can hardly control this urge to lie, we learn that in most compulsive liars' pasts, they are often raised in a household where lying would frequently help them more than the truth would. This would then create the feeling that lying is normalized, as it was what they learned while growing up: that lying is useful. Thus, lying would feel more authentic than telling the truth about certain things. This would then form into a habit of continuous lying because the feeling of lying feels more right than the truth. Compulsive liars do not only lie because it has been normalized, but also as a coping mechanism. They use lying as a coping mechanism because it helps them avoid uncomfortable situations, gain attention, protect their self-esteem, and escape responsibilities (ourmental.health, 2024). 

While those who lie without a clear motive are harmless, those who lie with purpose can inflict harm. Compulsive liars are typically people who lie without a clear motive and lie habitually. While compulsive liars seem like they’re only doing this to seek attention, their behavior often reflects deeper emotional struggles. Thus, confronting them with compassion rather than avoidance can make a difference. Encouraging therapy or support not only helps them confront their behavior but also creates a healthier community.

Works Cited

1. OCD: Myths and Misconceptions. (2025). Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/denying-to-the-grave/202509/ocd-myths-and-misconceptions?msockid=3d30dc1b14c36f872714ce1e15476e8b 

2. ‌Kumar, K. (2022, December 14). What Is the Difference Between a Pathological Liar and a Compulsive Liar? MedicineNet. https://www.medicinenet.com/pathological_liar_vs_a_compulsive_liar/article.htm 

3. Gupta, S. (2023, April 4). Compulsive Liars: How to Cope With Their Lies. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/compulsive-liars-how-to-cope-with-their-lies-7373288 

4. Signs, R. (2024, August 20). Our Mental Health. Our Mental Health. https://www.ourmental.health/impulsivity/understanding-compulsive-lying-causes-consequences-and-coping-strategies