Self-Deceit as an Adaptive Strategy: Integrating Evolutionary, Psychodynamic, and Social Perspectives

Lai Wei

doi:10.54097/1kxqkh92

Authors

Lai Wei

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/1kxqkh92

Keywords:

Self-deceit, Evolutionary psychology, Psychodynamic theory, Social influence, Adaptive behavior

Abstract

Self-deceit, defined as the concealment of inconvenient truths from one’s conscious awareness, represents a paradox central to human psychology. This paper examines self-deceit through three complementary perspectives: evolutionary, psychodynamic, and social. From an evolutionary standpoint, self-deception functions as an adaptive mechanism enhancing survival and reproductive success by preserving confidence and reducing cognitive dissonance. The psychodynamic perspective emphasizes unconscious defense mechanisms, such as repression and rationalization, which protect the self-concept from psychological threats. The social perspective highlights how interpersonal interactions and group dynamics reinforce or legitimize self-deceptive tendencies. Together, these perspectives reveal that self-deceit is neither purely irrational nor pathological; rather, it is a strategic process balancing individual stability with social adaptation. By integrating theoretical insights with empirical findings, this study contributes to a nuanced understanding of how self-deceit operates as a survival tool within the broader context of human cognition and behavior.

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