Chronicle of deceit: Navigating the developmental cognitive landscape from childhood fabrications to prolific adulthood artistry

Abstract

Lying is a universal, psychosocially complex behavior that society paradoxically views as morally reprehensible yet socially necessary. However, learning how and when to lie can be difficult, with a small proportion of the population failing to do so and lying prolifically into adulthood while suffering the consequences. Following a comprehensive review of the literature on the cognitive development of lying, including its normative and atypical features, this integrative work: 1) explains how maturations in theory of mind (ToM) and executive functioning (EF) are intertwined within developmental milestones of lying from childhood through adolescence, and 2) proposes unexplored etiologies surrounding how correlates of ToM, EF, and lying may lead to prolific lying in adulthood. Results reveal that in earlier childhood, the normative growth of ToM and EF increase the frequency and sophistication of lies, while their continued development into adulthood are integral to the desistance of dishonesty. Additionally, it appears that psychopathic traits (e.g., callous-unemotional traits, narcissism), intelligence, and attitudes towards lying may help identify different etiologies of atypical liars (i.e., prolific, pathological). This information for parents, educators, policy makers, and healthcare workers clarifies the natural age-based progressions of lying and highlights patterns of risks for prolonged, excessive lying.