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, Citation1999) and Interpersonal Deception Theory (Buller & Burgoon, Citation1996b). 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.
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.