Those who tell fewer lies may enjoy better relationships and mental health, a new study from researchers at the University of Notre Dame shows.
Lead researcher Anita Kelly and her team examined 110 adults between the ages 18 and 71 over a ten-week period. The group was split into two sections with all participants being given polygraph lie detector tests once a week.
The first group was specifically told to avoid telling any major lies for ten weeks while the other group received no instruction. Both groups also answered surveys about their mental health and relationship status.
After ten weeks they found those in the non-lying group reported not only better mental health but also stronger relationships. Kelly added strengthened interpersonal relationships could have a direct impact on overall mental health.
"What we are suggesting is, not violating others' expectation of honesty is likely to build trust, which may be key to good health through improving our relationships," Kelly said.
The evidence of the study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association in Orlando.
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