Introduction
Isabel, a mother of three, never imagined that her birthday would mark the beginning of a chain of events that would completely transform her life. Her husband, Daniel, had given her an unusual gift: a polygraph test to "prove" that she always told the truth. Although she accepted it hesitantly, something inside her told her that it was not a gesture of love, but of manipulation. Daniel used to belittle her and accuse her of making things up.
First contact with the case: an interview
At the first meeting, Daniel was confident, even arrogant. He said he wanted to "put an end to useless discussions". Isabel, on the other hand, was nervous, spoke cautiously, and had the look of someone who has learned to measure every word. Even so, he agreed to submit to the test unconditionally. I offered him the first round, and he accepted... at first.
Questionnaire design: keys and control
The aim was to detect whether Daniel had been unfaithful or whether he was hiding important aspects of his life. We alternated key questions with control questions to establish a reliable pattern.
Control questions
- Have you ever lied to Isabel?
- Have you had secrets in your previous relationships?
- Do you have any regrets in your married life?
Key questions
- Have you been unfaithful to Isabel in the last year?
- Have you had intimate contact with another person during your marriage?
- Have you withheld relevant information that could damage your relationship?
- Have you verbally or physically assaulted Isabel?
Polygraph installation and calibration
Daniel sat opposite me, initially calm. We fitted him with sensors for respiration, blood pressure and galvanic conductance. We started with neutral questions:
- Is your name Daniel?
- Is today your birthday?
- Are you sitting down right now?
These questions help to establish your physiological baseline before starting the actual questionnaire.
The session: between evasions and growing tension
From the first questions, Daniel showed abnormal physiological responses. Increases in blood pressure, altered breathing and intense sweating appeared at key questions. His behaviour also changed: he became curt, defensive and began to question the process.
After the first round, Isabel, calmer than expected, insisted that the test be repeated to avoid mistakes. The results were exactly the same.
The result: the truth unveiled
The report was clear: Daniel was not telling the truth on several key questions, especially about fidelity and episodes of aggression. Moreover, his out-of-protocol behaviour, especially after the second test, raised worrying signs.
Final resolution
A few days later, Isabel contacted me again. Daniel had begun to threaten her, nervous about what was revealed in the test. This time, Isabel did not hesitate. The test not only showed her the truth, but gave her the courage she needed to protect herself and her children. She took legal action and surrounded herself with the necessary support.
Epilogue
Some truths hurt, but they also liberate. This case shows how the polygraphWhen properly applied, it not only reveals facts, but can save lives. Elizabeth didn't need evidence to know how she felt, but she needed it to act with strength.