School Interventions for Dishonest Behavior

Cheating, lying, and nonconfrontative stealing (i.e., theft which does not involve use of force with a victim) are dishonest behaviors that cause much concern and occur quite extensively in educational settings. These behaviors have long been acknowledged by mental health and special service practitioners to be predictive of later social and emotional maladjustment. Issues pertinent to effective diagnosis of dishonest behavior in school settings are initially discussed. Published behavioral intervention approaches are reviewed. Finally, school environment factors that contribute to dishonesty in children and suggestions for school-based prevention strategies are presented.