Is it possible that being honest and truthful can lead to good health? Well, there is actually scientific proof that this is indeed the case!
Anita E. Kelly, a professor of psychology at the University of Notre Dame, led a project called the Science of Honesty. In this simple study, 72 healthy adults were randomly divided into two groups: a sincerity group and a control group. The participants’ physical ailments and discomforts were recorded at both the beginning and the end of the study, and the results surprised even the researchers.
The Science of Honesty study methods
In the study design, the researchers did not give any instructions to the 36 people in the control group, only telling them that they were participating in an unspecified study for the next five weeks.
However, the researchers gave specific instructions to the sincerity group, telling them: “Throughout every day of the next 5 weeks, you must speak honestly, truthfully, and sincerely — not only about the big things, but also about the small things, such as why you were late. You must always mean what you say in situations where your statements are to be taken seriously, as opposed to when joking or obviously exaggerating. While you certainly can choose not to answer questions, you must always mean what you say.” (Psychology Today)
During the five-week period, both groups had to go to the lab regularly for polygraphs and health measures, and the researchers kept detailed records of their physical symptoms.
The results: Impact of sincerity on health
Professor Kelly was amazed at the results in the final weeks of the experiment. They discovered that the health conditions of the 36 people in the sincerity group significantly improved from the beginning to the end of the experiment, with many of their initial symptoms having been notably reduced by the conclusion of the study.
Conversely, not only did the control group’s health condition not change, some people’s symptoms even worsened or increased.
Insights from lead researcher Professor Kelly
The differences between the two groups were compelling. After five weeks, the sincerity group showed significant improvements in their health compared to the control group, and the symptoms detected in the sincerity group were much less than those in the control group, such as sore throats, headaches, and nausea. In addition, the sincerity group reported fewer complaints and less tension.
In her blog, Professor Anita E. Kelly wrote: “Since the fall, I too have been following these instructions. Normally, I get 8 hours of sleep and have five to seven colds in the winter. Now, even with only 3 hours of sleep, I have been sick zero times since the fall.” (Psychology Today)
Understanding the connection: Polygraph test results
Isn’t it amazing that something as simple as speaking the truth can be a panacea? Actually, the polygraph test results help explain why speaking the truth has the power to bring you good health.
The polygraph machine measures and records physiological responses caused by sympathetic nerves, such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and the electrical conductance of the skin, in order to determine whether the test subject is lying when answering questions. Because these physiological responses are involuntary, changes in these physiological responses caused by lying are thought to reveal whether or not the subject is lying.
In other words, it is thought that physiological changes occur when a patient tells a big lie, and his blood pressure may suddenly rise, negatively impacting his health. Therefore, to maintain a healthy body, you should keep a good state of mind and be an honest person.
The impact of lying
Being honest is a normal state of being human, but as society becomes more debased, many consider honest people to be fools. According to a study conducted by Robert S. Feldman, a psychologist at the University of Massachusetts: “60 percent of people lied at least once during a 10-minute conversation and told an average of two to three lies.”
Professor Kelly estimates that the average person lies 11 times a day. Scientific research suggests that this results in people living under constant physical and mental stress, causing immune system disorders that could affect their health.
The importance of honesty
Being a good and honest person not only benefits your health, but it is also great for your interpersonal relationships, work environment, and the state of society! So the next time you’re considering whether to tell your boss why you’re really late for work, or tell your spouse how much money you really spent shopping, remember — it could be the difference between improving your health and harming your health.
Translated by Elaine
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