• Honesty can improve mental and physical health. On the other hand, dishonesty can increase blood pressure and heart rate and lead to other adverse health consequences.
• Honest yet compassionate, communication promotes openness and trust and is fundamental for functioning social and intimate relationships. (Self) honesty – to be truthful to ourselves – is essential in building confidence, integrity, and self-awareness. These are protective factors against substance use and other risky behavior.
• Honesty is essential for social progress and development around the world. The truth lays the foundation for progress, while dishonesty contributes to greater problems.
• There is a neurophysiological difference between deception and truth at the brain activation level, contributing to a stress reaction when we are dishonest.

Did You Know? Open communication, including active listening, is key to nurturing honesty in children and youth.