Child Distributive Behavior and Inhibitory Control in a Private Context

Abstract

Several studies have sought to assess the cognitive aspects underlying the sharing of goods. This work aimed to evaluate whether there is a relationship between inhibitory control and distributive behavior in a private context (total anonymity of the distributor). One hundred and thirty-six children aged between three and 12 years participated in a dictatorial game and a standard Stroop task. Age, inhibitory control and distributive behavior were positively correlated, but only age was predictive of sharing. It is suggested that the moral reasoning employed in the distributive context explains this tendency, in which older children, when reflecting on resource sharing, resort to respect for social rules. In contrast, younger children feel that their desire is sufficient to justify the self-centered behavior, even knowing the rules. The results contribute to the field of child development by providing information that allows a better understanding of the role executive functions play in distributive decisions.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of associations between self-regulation and morality in preschool and elementary school children

“…There was no association between effortful control and moral behavior. Cowell et al (2015), Reis and Sampaio (2019), Tan et al (2020), and Wildeboer et al (2017) reported that executive functions were not a significant predictor for moral behavior like, sharing, helping, donating or telling the truth. However, Cowell et al (2017) reported that executive functions were a significant predictor for sharing.…”

“…Executive functions comprise cross-domain, social and cognitive abilities and processes that encompass behavioral, emotional and cognitive functions and control, including future-oriented, planned, and regulated behavior (Baker et al, 2021;Cowell et al, 2015Cowell et al, , 2017Zelazo & Müller, 2011). Effortful control and inhibitory control are also considered to be components of executive functions (Diamond, 2013;Reis & Sampaio, 2019;Smetana et al, 2012). Furthermore, shift in attention or flexibility, planning skills and working memory are defined as aspects of executive functions (Cowell et al, 2015;Hinnant et al, 2013).…”

“…Temperament-related aspects of self-regulation were often measured by parent reports in the included studies. Executive functions were measured by various tasks completed by children, for example, stroop-like tasks (Gerstadt et al, 1994) like day-night (Reis & Sampaio, 2019;Stifter et al, 2009). Measurement methods in the included studies also overlapped regarding different constructs.…”

“…Further included studies suggest that prosocial behavior can mirror moral behavior and antisocial behavior can mirror immoral behavior (Asendorpf & Nunner-Winkler, 1992;Augustine & Stifter, 2015;Colasante et al, 2014;Stifter et al, 2009). For example, sharing or donating has been conceptualized as prosocial as well as moral behavior (Cowell et al, 2015(Cowell et al, , 2017Reis & Sampaio, 2019;Smith et al, 2013;Tan et al, 2020;Wildeboer et al, 2017). Reis and Sampaio (2019) conceptualize sharing as a behavioral component associated with moral reasoning, arguing that sharing shows ways in which children apply and judge norms of justice.…”

“…For example, sharing or donating has been conceptualized as prosocial as well as moral behavior (Cowell et al, 2015(Cowell et al, , 2017Reis & Sampaio, 2019;Smith et al, 2013;Tan et al, 2020;Wildeboer et al, 2017). Reis and Sampaio (2019) conceptualize sharing as a behavioral component associated with moral reasoning, arguing that sharing shows ways in which children apply and judge norms of justice. Colasante et al ( 2014) and Dong et al (2021) used the parental report of the My Child Conscience Instrument to measure moral behavior (Kochanska et al, 1994).…”