The Multifaceted Nature of Self-Deception: Motivational, Cognitive, and Situational Mechanisms

Gao Yingge

Cushing Academy

Abstract：

Self deception is a complex and multidimensional psychological phenomenon. Intentionalism holds that it is motivated self deception, where individuals choose more comforting beliefs under internal pressure; the deflationism viewpoint emphasizes that it stems from unconscious, emotionally driven cognitive biases, rather than deliberate manipulation. Research in neuroscience and evolutionary psychology suggests that self deception can be both a strategic self-protection mechanism and an adaptive behavior that helps maintain psychological balance and social advantage. This article points out that self deception should not be simply classified as "deception" or "deviation," but should be understood as a dynamic, multifactorial psychological process whose core function is to help individuals cope with real-life pressures, maintain self-identity and emotional stability.

Key Words：

self-deception; intentionalism; deflationism; motivated reasoning