Did you know that about half of all first marriages in the United States end in divorce? Second and third marriages have even higher annulment rates, at 60% and 73% respectively.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average U.S. divorce and annulment rate in the 2020s is about 2.3 – 2.5% per 1,000 total population. While that’s marginally lower than previous years, it underscores the significance of adequate marital planning.
Performing extensive background checks on your relationship partner is one of the ingenious ways to plan for a successful marriage.
Recently, polygraphs have emerged as a popular tool in assessing marital risks. Here’s a look at how conducting lie detector tests may save you from walking down the aisle with the wrong partner.
Leveraging Polygraph Tests for Premarital Risk Assessment
Polygraph tests have traditionally been used in law enforcement to identify threats to national security. That way, you can conduct a lie detector test to assess if an individual would pose any risks as a marital partner.
Other roles of polygraphs in premarital screening include:
1. Diagnosing Behavioral Disorders
A polygraph test can potentially uncover red flags of abusive partners.
By subjecting your prospective spouse to a lie detector test, you can learn of temperamental issues that could affect your married life later on. These evaluations may also detect other personality issues, such as possessiveness and compulsive lying.
2. Unearthing Criminal Past
While time changes people, old habits also die hard. Scheduling a polygraph test can bring to light your partner’s dark past.
For all you know, your Prince Charming could be a felon or fugitive. Understanding their criminal history will help you manage your expectations if you choose to forge ahead with your marriage plans.
3. Averting Financial Issues
Personal finance isn’t everyone’s forte. Even if your partner isn’t a convicted felon, it’s prudent to understand their money habits before taking things to the next level. After all, your bank accounts and assets will be jointly owned the moment you say ‘I do.’
Conducting a polygraph test can disclose if your partner has been indicted for financial fraud. It may also reveal the person’s credit rating and whether they’re presently in debt.
4. Catching a Cheater
Infidelity is a leading cause of divorce worldwide. Rather than walk down the aisle with a serial cheater, why not subject them to a polygraph test during your courtship?
Lie detector tests can be an invaluable tool in resolving infidelity claims. It helps allay suspicions of unfaithfulness, helping to rebuild trust in the relationship.
5. Validating Personal Information
Lie detector tests can also confirm your partner’s identity. A professional examiner will carefully draft polygraph questions that help validate the examinee’s family history, educational background, and profession.
All previously revealed information must be checked out during polygraph tests to be assured you’re dealing with a credible person.
At What Point Should Your Partner Be Polygraphed?
Two scenarios will determine whether you should schedule a premarital polygraph test.
First, be aware of the glaring red flags of an unhealthy relationship. Those include domineering conversations, possessiveness, a lack of transparency about your partner’s past life, and a reluctance to introduce you to their family members.
Not only are these signs indicative of a potential relationship fraudster, but some behaviors may also suggest an underlying mental health condition. Your best bet is to address them before taking things to the next level.
Even if your partner isn’t sending out any mixed signals, it’s important to trust your gut instincts. Consider a polygraph test if your sixth sense is constantly troubled.
Who Should Conduct A Polygraph Test?
The reliability of polygraph exams depends on who conducts them.
Insist on having each lie detector test performed by an experienced examiner who graduated from an approved school. Additionally, consider seeking out someone affiliated with reputable organizations, such as the American Polygraph Association (APA).
As you’re the one seeking to uncover the truth, play an active role in finding a polygrapher.
However, have a candid discussion with your partner and get them to willingly consent to being polygraphed before scouting for a polygraph examiner.
Moreover, the identified examiner would need to establish a rapport with both of you ahead of the actual lie detector test.
This is necessary to familiarize your partner with the polygrapher. It also enables the polygrapher to measure your partner’s physiological baselines, which will serve as the reference point for gauging their responses to the actual polygraph questions.
Are Polygraphs 100% Accurate?
In 2010, the APA published standards requiring specific-issue polygraphs to achieve an accuracy score of at least 90%.
While this benchmark is achievable, previous studies have shown that many lie detector tests may attain considerably lower accuracy scores of 80%.
Examiner’s experience and the testing technique used are critical in conducting an accurate lie detector test.
Ensuring the Happy Ever After With Polygraph Testing
Conducting polygraph testing during courtship may contribute to successful marriages. Lie detector tests enable you to get a deeper understanding of your prospective spouse, including their past love life and overall personality.
To make the most of polygraph testing as a premarital risk assessment tool, consider administering it alongside other conventional background check practices.
It’s also worth noting that findings from lie detector tests are not a guarantee of future behavior. Therefore, keep an open mind and know when to call off the relationship.
