Can children show signs of pathological lying especially relative to sexual abuse?

Answer

Yes, children can show signs of lying relative to abuse. Psychiatrists and police have noted that the child that is abused will want to please that parents (be in their good books so to speak) when they are very young and often will show great love to the sexually abusive parent rather than to the parent that is good to them and doesn't abuse them. Keep in mind it can also be a relative in the family that is sexually abusing the child. Sexual abusers often threaten the child by saying things like 'I'll hurt your mother and father' or, 'I'll kill you if you tell you mother.'

Children really don't realize they are lying at young ages. If the sexual abuse continues then the minor is too frightened to tell anyone and, if they should decide to tell their mother some mothers will deny the fact this is happening and scold the child, while only some parents will go after the sexual abuser. This also culminates psychological abuse to the child and as they grow up and become adults they have psychological disorders of different types from hiding that abuse. Some seek counseling, while others don't.

First answer by Marcy. Last edit by Marcy. Contributor trust: 3691 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question]