Examples of dating deception include misrepresentations about marital status, education, occupation, military service, etc. The research deals with a topic that is timely and important. Everyday there are thousands of women, through not fault of their own, get involved with men who lie about significant facts.
Some women keep their bank accounts and careers in tact but suffer significant emotional losses.
Unfortunately, the cases of deception we learn about through news articles or made-for television movies tend to be the more spectacular ones. The equally damaging but less spectacular cases rarely come to light. That's why the research is important. If you or someone you know has been the target of deception, it is important to get the story out. All participants in the study remain anonymous and all the material is treated confidentially.