Parental 'Instrumental Lies' May Encourage Children's Dishonesty, Study Reveals

Researchers at NTU in Singapore have conducted a study investigating the impact of 'instrumental lies' told by parents to their children. These lies, often told to prompt behavioural changes, such as threatening to call the police for misbehaviour or promising a trip to Disneyland for completing homework, may inadvertently encourage children to lie. The research team, led by Assoc Prof Setoh Peipei, examined the behaviour of 564 parent-child pairs, focusing on children aged 11 to 12. The study used questionnaires to understand the prevalence of lying among both parents and children. Statistical analysis revealed that children who were exposed to instrumental lies might learn to use lies as a means to an end or develop negative feelings towards their parents, leading to more dishonest behaviour. The study also examined 'white lies,' which are told to instil positive emotions. Unlike instrumental lies, white lies only led to children lying to their parents if they realised they were being deceived. 

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