Person: Smith, Rachelle
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Email Address
Birth Date
Biography URL
https://www.husson.edu/directory/rachelle_smith
Term at University
2009-current
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Job Title
Professor, College of Science and Humanities
Last Name
Smith
First Name
Rachelle
Name
Degrees Held
Ph.D. Psychology, University of Maine
3 results
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Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
Publication SELF-DECEPTION IN SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER: A BARRIER TO RECOVERY(2026-04-16) Pickoski, Mikayla; Smith, RachelleSubstance use disorder (SUD) is characterized by the continued use of substances despite significant cognitive, behavioral, and physiological consequences. One factor that may interfere with recovery from SUD is self-deception, which involves unconscious biases in information processing that favor comforting or desirable beliefs over unpleasant or threatening information. In addiction research, self-deception is often closely related to the concept of denial, and both may prevent individuals from fully recognizing the negative consequences of their substance use. The purpose of this literature review was to examine whether self-deception negatively affects recovery outcomes, particularly abstinence duration, among individuals with SUD. I collected articles through the APA PsycINFO database using search terms related to SUD. Scholarly research articles published between 1986 and 2025 were analyzed. The studies included adult participants diagnosed with SUD who were involved in residential or outpatient treatment programs. Across the studies, researchers used qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches, with many relying on self-report measures to gather data. The findings suggest that higher levels of self-deception are associated with shorter durations of abstinence and lower engagement in treatment-related activities. Research also indicates that participation in recovery programs, particularly 12-step meetings, may be linked to lower levels of self-deception and greater honesty about substance use behaviors. However, reliance on self-report data may introduce response bias. Overall, the literature suggests that self-deception can act as a significant barrier to recovery by limiting self-awareness and accountability in individuals with SUD. Keywords: substance use disorder, self-deception, denial, addiction recovery, abstinence, locus of controlPublication BENEFITS OF THERAPEUTIC LIES IN DEMENTIA CARE(2026-04-16) Johnson, Jayda; Smith, RachelleAlthough deception in healthcare is generally considered to be unethical, therapeutic lies are often used in dementia care, creating a controversial ethical dilemma. Given the frequent use of therapeutic lying by nurses, family members, and other healthcare professionals, I conducted a literature review to investigate the possible benefits of therapeutic lies in dementia care. I hypothesized that patients with dementia would benefit from therapeutic lies, primarily because such lies would reduce their distress. Studies were collected from databases from the Husson University Library, including Academic Search Ultimate, and the National Institute of Health. Participants in the studies reviewed included healthcare workers, family caregivers, and dementia patients. Eighty-eight percent of the studies examined demonstrated clear benefits associated with therapeutic lies. Specifically, despite ethical concerns regarding deception, these lies were found to help decrease distress and lessen agitation for people with dementia. Although one study emphasized the negative impacts of lying to patients with dementia, all other evidence showed that when used appropriately, therapeutic lies provided more psychological and health benefits than telling the truth. The advantages of using therapeutic lies with people with dementia was found to be situation-dependent. Such lies only provided benefits when the patient was unaware of the deception and when honesty would exacerbate distress. These results provide healthcare workers with insight into caring for their patients by using therapeutic lies and highlight the importance of context to ensure ethical behavior. Future research is needed to compare the psychological outcomes between patients who are exposed to therapeutic lying with those who are only told the truth. Additionally, given the empirical benefits of the use of therapeutic lies, guidelines need to be developed to help ensure cohesive and ethical use.Publication LYING AND DECEPTION IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RELATIONSHIPS(2026-04-16) McLaughlin, Alyiah; Smith, RachelleDomestic violence is widely recognized as a significant social and psychological issue, however, much of the research has historically focused on physical violence while less attention has been given to the role of deception within abusive relationships. The following literature review examines how lying and deception function within intimate partner violence (IPV), particularly as mechanisms of control used by perpetrators and as survival strategies used by victims. Major psychological concepts discussed include gaslighting, coercive control, trauma bonding, cognitive dissonance, and power-and-control dynamics. Peer reviewed research from psychology and interpersonal violence journals was gathered from Husson University Library, including Academic Search Ultimate. They were then reviewed to understand how deception operates within abusive relationships and the psychological consequences of such deception. Findings across these studies suggest that deception is frequently used by perpetrators to manipulate victims, deny abusive behavior, and maintain power within the relationship. Research also indicates that victims may engage in deception as a protective strategy to avoid escalation of violence or social stigma. To add to this, chronic exposure to deception, particularly gaslighting, has been linked to psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, self-doubt, and trauma symptoms. Overall, the literature supports that deception plays a central role in sustaining abusive dynamics and complicating victims’ ability to seek help. Understanding the psychological mechanisms behind deception in domestic violence relationships is critical, as it can help improve intervention strategies, clinical assessment, and support services for survivors.