‘Immature brains’ behind selfishness in youngsters

CHILDREN under the age of six are inherently self-centred because of their immature brains, say scientists.

The findings suggest misbehaving toddlers may simply be unable to consider the wishes or preferences of others – including their exasperated parents.

Scientists believe the selfishness of young children is linked to a late-maturing brain region involved in self-control.

While this part of the brain is still unformed, children struggle to rein in their selfish impulses. The German research could influence educational strategies designed to promote successful social behaviour, it is claimed.

Psychologists at the Max-Planck Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, in Leipzig, carried out behavioural and brain-imaging studies of children at different ages.

Dr Nikolaus Steinbeis, who led the study which was reported in the journal Neuron, said: “We were interested in whether children would share more fairly if their counterparts could reject their offers, and to what extent strategic behaviour was dependent on age and brain development.”

A total of 174 children aged around seven to 14 took part in the tests.

The scientists wrote: “We conclude that egoistic behaviour in younger children is not caused by a lack of understanding of right or wrong, but by the inability to implement behavioural control.”