Polygraph

[boothy]

I have read a number of post's where people recomend a W/S take a polygraph test. I just wondered if anyone could say from actual experience what happens, how readily available this test is, how easy is it to fool and what the results where in your particular case.

[Shrek]

I don't have practical experience or know someone who have. But there is quite a good information on this topic at wikipedia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygraph ). It may not help you in your situation but will give you very good insight on this topic and prepare you to ask questions to the experts. Hope this is a good start.

[MuffinMan]

it is said one has to be a sociopath that truly believes the lies they are telling are not lies.

in other words, someone would have to be mentally ill to fool it.

one thing I always wondered was, does fear of not being believed, even when telling the truth, register as a lie?

[Linda'sblessed]

Originally Posted by MuffinMan

it is said one has to be a sociopath that truly believes the lies they are telling are not lies.

in other words, someone would have to be mentally ill to fool it.

one thing I always wondered was, does fear of not being believed, even when telling the truth, register as a lie?

Good question MM, I've wondered this myself. Anyway, my NSTBXS is a sociopath so I will never know. Fortunately, I didn't have to go through the expense of paying for a polygraph, because I learned very quickly that I couldn't believe a single word he said

[StillinShock]

I would highly recommend the polygraph---everyone I know who has had their cheater take one has learned a whole new set of truths.

Basically, you contact one and tell them it is for infidelity (apparently this is most of their business now a days).. It will cost about $300-$400 depending on where you live.

The way I have seen it done for the sex addict/serial cheaters isthat you prepare a list of questions (my list was 2 pages). Be sure to include everything. Then he sits down, and in writing, he answers the questions (in writing so he doesn't claim "that's not what I said"). Then you pick 3-4 questions (don't tell him/her in advance) and give those to the tester.
Be sure to go yourself--I wish I had and most spouses do although you probably will not be in the room at the time.

Then he'll answer the questions...and the polygrapher will tell you how he did.

Mine lied all the way to the hot seat. Admitted lying before he ever got there...and of course, the answers to the questions were shocking big time. We did it with his therapist present and him and my therapist and me...spent all that money only to have him reverse his lies as we sat there. But finally, before the meeting was over he admitted everything because I kept reminding him were were going to the polygrapher next.

Anyway, I asked him to move out after that session---lies, lies, lies the whole year I was trying to "forgive" him. His excuse? "He didn't think I every would so that justified going on match.com, plenty of fish, **** etct the whole year he swore that he had given that all up". Yeah, any excuse would do.

Good luck--but be prepared for some real shockers.
SIS