Reactions to Being Distrusted: An Examination Across Cultures

This investigation examines the detrimental effects of expressions of distrust. We propose that the trustor’s expression of distrust sparks felt distrust, anger, conflict and uncooperativeness in the trustee, but these... [ view full abstract ]

This investigation examines the detrimental effects of expressions of distrust. We propose that the trustor’s expression of distrust sparks felt distrust, anger, conflict and uncooperativeness in the trustee, but these reactions can be mitigated by subsequent cooperative signals. Because this process is closely tied to self-construal and emotion, which can vary across culture, we tested these relationships in different cultural groups, namely Chinese and US populations. The results largely supported our expectations but point to interesting cultural differences in emotional reactions.