This study conducted an initial investigation of deception in the mother-child relationship, as well as the effects of Expectancy Violation Theory's on attitude toward deception. Also, this study explored gender and the concomitant nature of motivation and consequences in attitude toward deception. These constructs were examined using a questionnaire, providing six scenario examples of potential deception in the mother-child relationship, differing by motivation and consequence. Gender and properties of the mother-child relationship as assessed by the Mother-Adult Daughter Questionnaire were partially related to attitude. Attitudes toward the deceptive behavior differed by measured expectancy violations for four of the six scenarios. Also, attitudes differed by scenario, supporting the hypothesis that attitude would differ by both attitude and consequence.
