Document Type : Review Article
Authors
1
Master of Science in Personality Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2
PhD in Communication Sciences and Technology, Islamic Azad University, Dolatabad Branch, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Objective: This review synthesizes contemporary empirical research and theoretical models on the psychological construct of trust. It seeks to elucidate its cognitive, affective, and neurobiological foundations, trace its development and dynamics within interpersonal relationships, and evaluate its impact on relational outcomes across contexts. Furthermore, it examines the processes of trust violation and repair, identifying gaps for future research.
Methods: A narrative review methodology was employed. Electronic databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus) were searched for English-language articles published between 1990-2024, using keywords including "trust," "interpersonal trust," "trustworthiness," "betrayal," "attachment," and "relationship quality." Theoretical papers, empirical studies (experimental, longitudinal, neuroimaging), and meta-analyses were included. Key theoretical frameworks (Attachment, Social Exchange) provided the structure for synthesis.
Results: Trust is a multifaceted construct predicated on perceived ability, benevolence, and integrity. Its development is heavily influenced by early attachment patterns and subsequent interpersonal experiences. Neurobiological research implicates oxytocinergic systems and prefrontal-limbic circuitry in trust decisions. High trust is consistently associated with superior relationship outcomes, including increased satisfaction, commitment, intimacy, and effective conflict resolution. Trust violations trigger profound distress and relational reevaluation, yet repair is possible through structured processes involving acknowledgment, restitution, and consistent behavioral change.
Conclusion: Trust functions as the foundational currency of social life, enabling vulnerability and cooperation. Its psychology is best understood through an integrative lens that combines dispositional, experiential, and situational factors. While cultural and individual differences modulate trust dynamics, its core role in relationship health is universal. Future research must further explore digital trust formation, neurodiversity, and the efficacy of trust-building interventions across the lifespan.
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