Lying as a problem behavior in children: A review

Abstract

Of all concealing behaviors, lying is probably one of the earliest to develop in childhood. It is also one of the least understood behaviors in terms of its prevalence, nosology, continuity over time, and relationship to other problem behaviors, especially delinquency. This paper presents a review of empirical studies on lying by children in the natural environment rather than in experimental situations. Studies are discussed that illustrate how widespread lying is in children between the ages of 4 and 18, and how adults judge this behavior in terms of seriousness. The relationships between lying and conduct problems and delinquency are pointed out in cross-sectional studies. Longitudinal studies indicate how well early lying predicts delinquency and other forms of maladjustment in adulthood. Conditions that either facilitate or inhibit children's lying are discussed. The findings are interpreted from a developmental point of view. The few available treatment studies are reviewed, and recommendations for improved interventions and prevention are formulated, together with directions for further investigations.