Interpersonal Deception Theory

Interpersonal Deception Theory

Interpersonal deception theory (IDT) attempts to explain the manner in which individuals deal with actual or perceived deception on the conscious and subconscious levels while engaged in face-to-face communication. In this meaning, communication is not static; it is influenced not only by one's own goals, but also by the meaning of the interaction as it unfolds. The sender's conduct and messages are affected by conduct and messages of the receiver, and vice versa. Furthermore, deception differs from truthful communication. Intentional deception requires significantly more cognitive resources than truthful communication, whether the sender engages in falsification (lying), concealment (omitting material facts), or equivocation (skirting issues by changing the subject or offering indirect responses). IDT explores the interrelation between communicative meaning of the sender and receiver cognitions and behaviors in deceptive exchanges.