Psychology Prof Wins Research Grant, Publishes New Book

The grant was awarded through the Woodcock Institute Research Grant Program for Curtis’ project titled “Executive Functioning in Adolescent Pathological Liars: Examining Prevalence and Etiology.”

Curtis also recently published his third book, “Pathological Lying: Theory, Research, and Practice,” through American Psychological Association Publishing. It synthesizes and unifies historical and contemporary writings and research on pathological lying into a functional and cohesive resource for researchers and clinicians. By offering a succinct, theory‑driven, and empirically corroborated account of this disorder, the book aims to provide clinicians with the tools they need to more accurately identify and effectively treat patients.

Dr. Drew Curtis “Pathological lying has been a problem for a number of people across time,” Curtis said. “It was recognized by prominent psychiatrists over a century ago, but has yet to be recognized as a psychological disorder in the DSM-5 or ICD-11. The failure to recognize pathological lying as a diagnostic entity means that people are unable to receive a diagnosis or suitable treatment for their problematic behavior. I hope that my work on pathological lying synthesizes historical accounts with theory-driven research, with the ultimate aim to help people who struggle with pathological lying to function better in their lives and relationships.”

Curtis’ research on pathological lying was also the basis for a recent article in the New York Times titled “Can This Man Stop Lying?”

An ASU faculty member since 2013, Curtis is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology, director of ASU’s nationally recognized counseling psychology graduate programs, president of the Psychological Association of Greater West Texas, and executive officer for the Southwestern Psychological Association. He is also the author of two previous books:

• “Abnormal Psychology: Myths of ‘Crazy’” (2020)
• “Foundations of Abnormality: Myths, Misconceptions, and Movies” (2018)

In addition to his books, Curtis has been published in a wide variety of professional journals, including the International Journal for the Advancement of Counseling, Journal of Relationships Research, North American Journal of Psychology, American Journal of Psychological Research, International Journal of Health Sciences Education, Journal of Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, and others. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sam Houston State University and his doctorate from Texas Woman’s University.