To deceive, lie and omit: developmental, contextual and educational factors (Engañar, mentir y omitir: factores evolutivos, contextuales y educativos)

Abstract

This article aims to review and debate the concept of lying and the variables associated with it, such as the age of its emergence in infancy, developmental patterns in a life cycle, motives for lying, consequences on social relationships and contextual and educational factors. The paradoxical nature of this behaviour is also emphasized because it can be accompanied by either prosocial or antisocial acts. The links with cognitive abilities, moral reasoning and moral action are also discussed. An understanding of the relationship between lying and antisocial behaviour and its developmental trends is pertinent to the prevention of damage to social relationships and several contemporary threats to democracy. The study concludes with considerations about the potential links between lying and moral development, and a discussion with a view to design educational programmes to promote honesty and responsibility as part of citizenship education in democratic societies.