The Effects Of Theory-of-Mind And Parenting Behaviors On 3-to 5-year-olds’ Lying Behavior

The behavior of lie-telling has been seen as an important aspect of children’s social cognitive development.Previous studies have found the age differences of children’s lying behavior,and they have demonstrated that social-cognitive factors such as theory-of-mind are related to children’s lying behavior.But the effect of theory-of-mind on children’s lying behavior was inconsistent.While children’s social-cognitive development has been demo nstrated to be a major factor in their developing lying behaviors,another important contributing factor is parenting behaviors.The present research investigated the development of children’s lying behavior and influencing factors.A total of 309 children aged between 3 to 5 years old participated in this study.We used a “guessing game” to investigated children’s lying behavior.At the same time,we used theory-of-mind scale to measured children’s theory-of-mind.Parenting behaviors was measured by using a child rearing practice report.C hildren’s theory-of-mind and parenting behaviors were investigated to explore the potential influence and the mechanism contributing to the development of lying behavior.Main results are as follows:(1)In the period of 3 to 4 year old,children’s lying behavior increased rapidly,the occurrence rate of lying behavior maintained stable between the age of 4 and 5-year-old.C hildren’s lying strategy was developed with age,and girl’s lying strategy was better than boy.(2)In general,children’s false belief understanding had significant positive effects on the lying strategy.We also found the age differences of the effects.Theory-of-mind was not associated with 3-year-old children’s lying strategy.However,theory-of-mind was positively associated with 4-year-old children’s lying strategy,and 5-year-old children’s false belief understanding was positively associated with their lying strategy.(3)In general,mother’s restriction had significant positively effects on the lying strategy and this relationship was partially mediated by children’s theory-of-mind.Mother’s rejection was negatively associated with 4-year-old children’s lying strategy.Mother’s restriction was positively associated with 5-year-old children’s lying strategy.To conclude: C hildren’s lying behavior and lying strategy was developed with age.Children’s lying strategy was influenced by children’s theory-of-mind and parenting behaviors.Theory of mind could partial mediated the relationship between mother’s parenting behaviors and children’s lying strategy.