Researchers from the University of Twente (Netherlands) asked how lying affects our self-esteem to shed light on an issue full of questions. The research links dishonesty and self-perception in a variety of contexts, dissecting lies that are white and evil, serious and petty, current and past.

“There is fairly solid evidence that lying is associated with worse mental health,” says Christian Hart, co-author of Big Liars and director of the Human Deception Laboratory from Texas Woman's University.