selvbedrag

Selvbedrag is a Norwegian term that translates literally to “self‑deception” or “self‑delusion” in English. The word is a compound of selv (“self”) and bedrag (“deception” or “fraud”), and it is used to describe the psychological phenomenon in which individuals convince themselves of a false or distorted belief. Selvbedrag is considered a normal part of human cognition, often arising when cognitive dissonance or emotional distress creates a psychological drive to maintain an internally consistent worldview.

Silvbedrag differs from deliberate lying or fraudulent behaviour because the deceiver is not seeking to influence others; the deception is directed inward. The concept is related to other psychological terms such as self‑justification, cognitive bias, and denial. Common examples include a person refusing to acknowledge a health problem, a manager overlooking mistakes in a failing project, or a farmer attributing crop failures to weather while ignoring management errors.

The phenomenon has been extensively studied in behavioural economics, psycho‑analytic theory, and neuroscience. Research indicates that self‑deception can serve adaptive functions by reducing anxiety and preserving self‑esteem, but it can also impede learning, decision‑making and interpersonal relationships. In organizational settings, self‑deception among managers has been linked to lower performance, poor risk assessment and reduced team trust.

Although the term selvbedrag is most frequently used in Norwegian and Danish contexts, English language psychological literature contains related concepts with similar meanings. Scholars who discussed the construct in Scandinavian journals include Øystein Håland (1997) and Ingrid Stener (2014). The notion continues to be examined in contemporary studies on decision bias and mental health interventions.