Fabrication is a person making a deliberately false and improbable account of a situation. Almost every adult in the world will say lying is wrong and inappropriate. Moreover, the same adults will tell children they will be punished for lying. However, when it comes to protecting someone's feelings, evading trouble, or using imagination, some people can find themselves lying unconsciously, whether male or female; occasional lying can be considered harmless, depending on the situation. Because it is a human trait primarily used to influence how others view a person, fabricating stories is very common in mental health. Fabrication is deceptive but not always meant to hurt other people. Specifically, when people fabricate, they protect themselves from any consequences or embarrassment from telling the truth. A person may fabricate a story to avoid looking irresponsible, avoid conflict, or shift blame to someone else for selfish reasons.
In the mental health field, people diagnosed with developmental disabilities have to manage limitations of physical ability, cognitive ability, and IQ level. Conversely, some individuals with disabilities tend to fabricate for similar reasons to those with an average IQ. It can be a defensive mechanism due to their ailment or environment. Another reason would be to make an allegation of abuse or mistreatment. Those with an extensive history of fabrication may not think of lying as inappropriate and commit the act out of necessity. In principle, a person with a disability is entitled to the best care that can be provided. It is essential for healthcare providers not to discriminate against these individuals. However, it is also essential for these individuals to be aware of the difference between right and wrong. However, if the person does not possess the cognitive ability to comprehend the difference, then the person should be taught about honesty and the consequences of fabrication. Nevertheless, within organizations that care for people with developmental disabilities regulated by the state government, all fabrication incidents should be investigated without prejudice, regardless of the person's history.
The rationale for fabrication can sometimes be somewhat disputed. Sometimes, people feel they deserve special treatment due to their circumstances; anything less is unacceptable. In other cases, the person can be deceptive, vindictive and relish the opportunity to get others in trouble. In response, some techniques can help health professionals manage fabrication allegations. To encourage the truth, a health professional should initially teach the person through social skills training how being dishonest can affect a reputation. It is also imperative that the person learn not to justify their actions due to circumstances, manipulation, and dislike of staff, peers, or family members. Accountability is a human trait but not a common practice; therefore, lessons of responsibility should also be the focal point of social skills training.
In any case, a person with disabilities should not be made to feel guilty or ashamed for fabricating but should be educated about the social consequences of their actions. It is not the position of a healthcare professional to initially determine if the person is lying but rather what is the reason behind the story. If fabrication is considered a challenging or problematic behavior for the person, then counseling should be implemented immediately. Fabrication can become an area of concern but not a crisis issue if controlled with a proactive psychological approach.
