THE ROLE OF PARENTING AND THEORY OF MIND IN YOUNG CHILDREN’S ONLINE LYING

Abstract

Research involving the study of children’s lying behaviour often employs observational experimental approaches to assesses contributing factors such as developments in theory-of-mind (ToM), and parenting influences. However, online mediums designed to examine lying behaviour remain novel and exploratory within developmental research. The present study aims to investigate online effects of ToM and parental attitudes using an honesty paradigm through a dice game. 90 three to six-year old children were tasked to complete ToM task measures, which were counterbalanced, and partake in a dice-rolling game, both using an online web-conferencing application. Parents were also required to fill up a parenting questionnaire online. Results revealed that children’s ToM development did not relate to lying, which did not support existing literature on the positive association between these variables. Parental attitudes towards honesty did not relate to children’s lie-telling. Increases in parental protectiveness was the only aspect that significantly lowered children’s lying scores. Additionally, age increases were significant in determining lying behaviour. With parenting, current findings partially support notions that propose how intrusive parenting, through overprotectiveness, influences children’s levels of honesty. Overall, conclusions derived have a potential to serve as a guideline to stimulate and facilitate the parental role in promoting children’s honesty.