Can You Spot a Liar? The Psychology Behind Deception and Trust

Have you ever been certain that someone was telling the truth, only to find out later that they had been lying the entire time? Or maybe you’ve had a gut feeling that something wasn’t quite right, but you couldn’t put your finger on why? The hit BBC show The Traitors has sparked fascinating discussions about deception, trust, and intuition, proving that even the most perceptive among us can be fooled.

So, what’s really going on beneath the surface when people lie? And how can we sharpen our ability to detect deception while building stronger, more authentic relationships?

In today’s OLIP Therapy blog, we explore the psychological cues behind deception, helping you develop a deeper understanding of human behaviour - whether for personal growth, better communication, or professional development.

1. The Science of Lying: Why Do People Deceive?

Lying is far more common than we like to believe. Studies show that the average person tells one to two lies per day, often without even realising it. These aren’t always malicious - many are "social lies" told to avoid conflict, protect someone’s feelings, or fit into social norms. However, in more complex settings, deception can have serious consequences.

Psychologists suggest that lying is often a survival mechanism. People deceive to:
🔹 Avoid punishment or consequences.
🔹 Gain an advantage in a competitive situation.
🔹 Protect their self-image or maintain social standing.

This explains why contestants in The Traitors so convincingly manipulate and deceive: it’s a high-stakes game where trust is currency, and betrayal is strategy. But while deception is part of the game, it also mirrors real-life situations where people lie to protect themselves or control outcomes. A study from the University of Massachusetts found that 60% of people couldn’t hold a 10-minute conversation without telling at least one lie, even if it was just to make themselves seem more likable or capable.

2. Can You Really Spot a Liar? The Truth About Body Language and Microexpressions

Most of us like to believe we’re good at detecting lies, but research suggests otherwise. In reality, even trained professionals, such as police officers and judges, are only slightly better than chance (around 54%) at spotting deception.

So why is it so difficult? Because our instincts often mislead us. Many people assume that liars:
🚩 Avoid eye contact.
🚩 Fidget excessively.
🚩 Stammer or hesitate when speaking.

While these behaviours can be indicators of deception, they’re not foolproof. Skilled liars can maintain steady eye contact and appear composed, while an honest person under stress may show nervous behaviours that appear deceptive.

Instead, experts suggest looking for inconsistencies rather than isolated behaviours. Hypnotherapy and psychological coaching at OLIP Therapy help individuals develop sharper observation skills by teaching them to:
✅ Identify microexpressions - brief, involuntary facial expressions that reveal true emotions.
✅ Recognise inconsistencies between words and body language.
✅ Trust but verify - balancing intuition with logical analysis.

Research by Dr. Paul Ekman, a pioneer in deception detection, shows that microexpressions last only a fraction of a second, far too fast for most people to notice consciously. However, with the right training, anyone can learn to spot these subtle cues.

3. The Power of Intuition - When It Helps and When It Fails

Have you ever had a gut feeling that someone was lying but ignored it, only to find out later that your instincts were right? Or perhaps you’ve wrongly accused someone because their behaviour seemed suspicious, even though they were telling the truth?

Intuition can be a powerful tool, but it’s also prone to biases. Psychological research shows that our past experiences, emotions, and subconscious beliefs shape our perception of truth and deception.

At OLIP Therapy, we help clients refine their intuition through hypnotherapy, coaching, and self-awareness training. By developing emotional intelligence and learning to interpret behavioural cues accurately, you can:
✔ Improve decision-making in both personal and professional relationships.
✔ Avoid misjudging others based on assumptions.
✔ Strengthen your ability to read people with confidence.

In The Traitors, many contestants relied on their intuition to identify liars, yet some of the most trusted players were actually deceiving the group the entire time. This proves that intuition alone isn’t always reliable; a balanced approach of intuition and observation is key.

Want to Strengthen Your Ability to Read People?

Understanding the psychology of deception isn’t just about spotting liars, it’s about improving communication, strengthening relationships, and developing a deeper awareness of human behaviour.

At OLIP Therapy, we offer:
🎯 One-on-one coaching to sharpen your ability to read people.
🧠 Hypnotherapy sessions to enhance self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
📢 Workshops and training for professionals in leadership, sales, and other corporate settings.

🔎 Curious to learn more? Listen to my recent BBC Radio Solent interview where I dive into the mind games of The Traitors, explore why people lie, and reveal how you can improve your ability to detect deception.

Would you have spotted the traitors? Or do you think you’d have been fooled? Let’s continue the conversation - contact us today to book a session or book a corporate session workshop.

📞 Call us now on 0800 970 4776 or visit OLIP Therapy to learn more.