Authoritarian parenting at 4.5 years predicts children's cheating at 6 years
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Cheating is common in early childhood. However, limited empirical studies have explored the mechanism underlying the role of parenting in children's cheating. This study (N = 479 Singaporean families; 219 female children; 55% Chinese, 27% Malay, 18% Indian; data collected between July 2014 and April 2017) examined whether and how authoritarian parenting at 4.5 years predicted children's cheating 1.5 years later. When children were 4.5 years old, their self-criticism was assessed through the Etch-a-Sketch task, and mothers reported on both parents' authoritarian parenting. At age 6, cheating was assessed using the Dart Game. Results showed that paternal authoritarian parenting predicted a higher likelihood of cheating, mediated by children's self-criticism. Our findings can provide insights into promoting honesty within family environments.
Source: Child Development
Institutions: National University of Singapore, Stanford University, OLVG, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Nanyang Technological University, Harvard University
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,320
Award: G7217587276
OpenAlex ID: W7128360360