ArticleBMC psychology2025
The implicit theories of trust: the more individuals believe trust to be unchangeable, the more they tend to trust others.
Article in BMC psychology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundPrevious research has delved into the influence of implicit theories, such as those concerning personality and morality on the breach of trust. Yet, the findings have been inconsistent. This variability might stem from the limited relevance of the domains that implicit theories encompass in the context of trust. To address this, the study explores the role of the implicit theories of trust specifically within the trust domain and their effects on trustworthiness. Through this, we aim to elucidate the domain generality and specificity of implicit theories of trust.
methodsTo elucidate the domain generality and specificity of implicit theories of trust, the study juxtaposes them with implicit theories of personality as a comparative framework from a distinct domain. Two complementary studies were conducted to explore the structure of implicit theories of trust and their influence on trust in 2023. Study 1 utilized a correlational approach to assess the association between implicit theories of trust and interpersonal trust. Study 2 used a causal examination to uncover the specific effects of these theories on trust.
resultsThe results of both studies revealed two dimensions of implicit theories of trust: entity theory, which posits trust as a fixed and unchangeable trait, and incremental theory, which regards trust as a malleable and adaptable quality. This is the same as the implicit view of personality, which reflects the generality of the domain. Notably, the two types of implicit theories exert distinct effects on trust. Individuals holding an entity theory of trust tend to exhibit a stronger propensity to trust others. Whereas those adhering to an incremental theory of personality display a greater readiness to trust. This finding underscores the domain specificity of the implicit theories of trust.
conclusionsThe study, consistent with previous research on implicit theories, categorized implicit theories of trust into entity theorists and incremental theories. It revealed that implicit theories of trust exert differential effects on perceived individual trustworthiness when compared to implicit theories of personality. This novel finding provides a new perspective for understanding the psychological mechanisms that underlie the construction of trust. It enhances our understanding of the psychological foundations of trust formation in interpersonal interactions.
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