Perceptions of Own Sexual Lies Influenced by Characteristics of Liar, Sex Partner, and Lie Itself

Abstract

The current study examined perceptions of own sexual lies (lies to sex partners about sexual matters), in particular the perceived acceptability and seriousness of such lies, as well as potential determinants of such perceptions. Participants were 166 undergraduates who were asked to recall a recent event in which he or she had engaged in sexual lying and then respond to several questions regarding the event. Results showed that those who recalled relatively risk-relevant and self-protective sexual lies saw their lies as more serious and less acceptable. Moreover, those who told relatively risk-irrelevant and other-protective sexual lies reported less history of sexual lying or infidelity and more liking for the lie recipient in the event. These findings have implications both for safer-sex interventions and for interventions in intimate relationships.