Homeostasis refers to the body’s tendency to maintain a stable, relatively constant internal environment, which is critical for the survival of every species. Even when the external environment rapidly changes, homeostasis keeps the body’s internal environment constant and steady.

Just as the body seeks homeostasis, the mind does too. The drive-reduction theory of Clark Hull suggests that the primary force behind our behaviour is the need to reduce internal tension. In other words, imbalances create needs, motivating behaviour to restore equilibrium. For example, telling a lie – no, let’s go back even further – simply thinking of telling a lie causes an internal imbalance that will cause us to adjust our behaviour toward restoring internal balance, i.e. telling the truth.

I’ve seen this happen during Truth Verification Examinations. While the examinees insisted on not being involved, the spontaneous response of “YES” to a Relevant Question (directly related to the incident) is a classic example of the drive-reduction theory in action; in the split-second of losing concentration, the process of homeostasis created a need, motivating behaviour to restore internal equilibrium.

Homeostasis could, therefore, potentially explain consciousness in physical terms. Here’s how it connects to emotions:

• Temperature Regulation: We regulate core temperature through the hypothalamus and distributed sensors. This system involves brain regions communicating with the body via the autonomic nervous system.
• Emotions and Equilibrium: Equilibrium feels good, while disequilibrium feels terrible. Strong emotions (e.g., pain, fear, stress (from lying)) interact with the autonomic nervous system, urging changes to restore a better-feeling equilibrium state.
• Fight-or-Flight Response: When an organism perceives a life-threatening danger, the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system produces drastic changes (heart rate, blood pressure, frequency of voice, etc.). These are some of the data parameters measured during Truth Verification. Temperature regulation also kicks in, stabilising the system.

In summary, homeostasis is crucial in maintaining our physical well-being and conscious experience. It’s a fascinating concept bridging the gap between bodily functions and mental states.

Speaking the truth profoundly impacts the body, offering visceral relief and organic recalibration.

Truth-telling positively affects all twelve systems of the body, from head to toe, promoting balance and well-being.

Our bodies are innately wired to react when confronted by falsehoods, even if they exist solely in the realm of thought. The autonomous nervous system, over which the mind has limited control, sends distress signals throughout the body, significantly impairing its functioning. These systems include the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, lymphatic, cardiovascular, urinary, digestive, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems.

In contrast, the truth generates a positive, balancing effect called Homeostasis, impacting all twelve systems with a sense of release and alleviation of stress;

• Breathing becomes deeper and slower, enhancing oxygenation of the blood.

• Muscle and tissue tonality relaxes.

• Heart rate decreases while pumping more robustly.

• Low stress levels promote an alkaline PH balance without depleting bone calcium.

The list goes on, with cascading effects that benefit the entire body.

May you always be brave and prioritise truth over deception for yourself and those close to you.

The credibility of lie detecting was challenged almost as soon as it was invented, and there is much debate about its accuracy.

The fundamental premise that lie detecting tests measure deception, is incorrect.

Lie Detection methodologies measure responses to questions and compares the responses to control questions with responses to relevant questions. Theoretically liars will show increase arousal when answering the relevant questions, whereas truth tellers will not. Unfortunately, there is no sound theory to back this up.

There are several different reasons why a test may be inaccurate. These include the questions being poorly formulated and the interviewer misreading the results.

However, when the examiner is well-trained, the test is properly carried out, and there’s proper quality controls, the accuracy is estimated between 80%-90%. This being higher than the average person’s ability to tell if someone is lying.

The short answer is Yes!

You can beat the test, BUT you need to know HOW and WHEN.

You may find websites telling you how to, but the reality is if you just go in and take a lie detecting test while hoping to beat it, you’re in for a surprise.

To cheat successfully requires sitting down and practicing with a trained examiner. But for those who don’t have a qualified questioner to assist – what else can they do?

There is the classic ‘tack in your shoe’ to cause yourself pain which will result in for example, a big increase in your sweating response. However, the natural response to causing yourself pain is for your body to move away from it and this will simply activate the movement sensor, indicating you are applying a counter measure.

So, be cautious as most examiners will be able to spot any covert attempt to beat the test.

Then of course, I’m not going to tell how to do it!

Lie Detecting is used around the world, in countries such as Japan, Russia and China, and the technology remains much the same.

The test will begin with a pre-test interview that can last up to an hour, this introduces the examinee to the process, the questions to be asked and the examiner collects all necessary information about the examinee. There are never any surprise questions as they may in fact trigger a response. What is going to be asked is known.

The equipment is then attached, and it usually includes either a headset with microphone or a blood pressure monitor, electrodes which are placed on an index finger, and two tubes which are wrapped around the chest and stomach. The individual may also sit on a movement sensor pad. The examiner will ask several control questions during the test which have all been presented to the examinee earlier. And then compare those responses to the responses of the questions relevant to the issue.

Being in the industry for over 25 years and a professional examiner since 2006, I consider my opinion on the credibility of both Polygraph and Voice Stress Analysis, valid.

In this series of short articles, you will hear first-hand, from the horse’s mouth so to speak, the truth.

Read on to learn what such a test is, how they are done, the answer to the most asked question “Can you cheat?”, and the answer to the second most asked question, “Do they work?”

What is a Lie Detecting Test?

In short, lie detector tests record several different bodily responses which can then be used to determine whether someone is telling the truth.

They measure things like voice frequency, blood pressure, heart rate, changes in a person’s breathing, and in the electrical resistance of the skin. All lie detection techniques, measure an indirect effect of lying, that of an increase in physiological stress when responding to questions.

So, Lie Detecting tests do not measure deception or lying directly, but rather possible signs that a person could be deceiving the examiner.

This information is then used in conjunction with everything else that is known about the person to form a clearer picture of whether they are being truthful.