From Psychologies · Laurena Valette · · 1m
Couple Study: Happy Lies vs Hard Truths
People in unhappy relationships might prefer comforting lies over hard truths, according to Polish research.
In brief
People in unhappy relationships might prefer comforting lies over hard truths, according to Polish research. Unhappy couples may prefer reassuring lies to difficult truths, as a Polish study shows. Originally reported by Psychologies.
Unhappy couples prefer lies
People in unhappy relationships might prefer comforting lies over hard truths, according to Polish research.
Study by Sebastian Wnęk and Katarzyna Cantarero
Sebastian Wnęk and Katarzyna Cantarero conducted research in Poland with 672 couples over a year.
Two types of lies
The study found two types of lies: those that protect the other person's feelings and those that protect the liar's own interests.
Unhappy couples prefer lies
People who prefer lies, regardless of type, reported lower relationship satisfaction and felt truths could harm their couples.
Why lies help in tough times
During difficult periods, reassuring lies can provide immediate comfort but may avoid addressing real issues.
What the study shows
The study shows that relationship satisfaction is linked to preferring lies, but doesn't prove lies improve relationships.
What matters most
Unhappy couples may prefer reassuring lies to difficult truths, as a Polish study shows.
