Parent-reported socialization of lie-telling within the sibling relationship

The present study examined the association between parents’ reported socialization of lie-telling and children’s antisocial and prosocial lie-telling to and for their siblings. Parents (N = 363; 63% female; with at least two children ages 5–12) completed an online survey reporting on their socialization of lie-telling (i.e. encouragement of honesty, punishment of lie-telling, direct instructions and modeling) and their children’s antisocial and prosocial lie-telling within the sibling relationship (Mage gap = 2.59 years; 51% mixed-gender pairings). Results indicated that more frequent punishment of lie-telling and instructions to tell antisocial lies were associated with higher rates of antisocial lie-telling in the sibling relationship. Additionally, more instructions and modeling of prosocial lie-telling were associated with more prosocial lie-telling, and greater encouragement of honesty was associated with less prosocial lie-telling in relation to siblings. The findings suggest that parents’ reported socialization of lie-telling plays an important role in children’s lie-telling within their sibling relationships. Considering the distinct social functions and levels of social approval of antisocial and prosocial lies, these findings also highlight the importance of tailoring socialization strategies to the specific form of dishonesty being addressed.