Mood State or Relational Closeness: Explaining the Impacts of Mood on the Ability to Detect Deception in Friends and Strangers

Abstract

This study examined the effects a person's prior mood state (happy or sad) has on his or her ability to perceive deception in friends or strangers (N = 208). This study makes predictions based on the Cognitive Functional Model (Nabi, 1999) and Interpersonal Deception Theory (Buller & Burgoon, 1996b). Results indicated that interviewers in the happy mood were significantly less likely to detect deception compared to those in the sad mood. Results showed no differences in the ability to detect deception based on relational closeness. The discussion highlights the importance of mood context in deception detection and on message processing. Implications and plans for future study are discussed.

Keywords:

• Affect
• Cognitive Functional Model
• ELM
• HSM
• Interpersonal Deception
• Mood
• Negative State Relief

Notes

Note. Higher values indicate more positive affect, honesty, and success.

Note. Subscripts a and b represent significant differences between the groups at p < .001. ^c Relational closeness and expectancy ratings controlled. ^d Relational closeness controlled.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Brian J. Householder

Brian J. Householder (Ph.D., University of Georgia, 2005) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Baruch College.

Norman C. H. Wong

Norman C. H. Wong (Ph.D., University of Georgia, 2005) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Oklahoma.