СHARACTERISTICS CONFIDENCE IN CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS OF ADULTS

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32782/psych.studies/2025.1.15

Keywords:

trust, mistrust, interpersonal relationships, emotional interaction, close relationships

Abstract

The article examines the theoretical aspects of the manifestation of trust and mistrust in interpersonal relationships. The authors emphasize that from the first year of a child’s life, a parameter of social interaction is formed, where the positive pole is trust, and the negative pole is mistrust. This process is the foundation for the further socialization of the individual. Researchers also note that trust encompasses both behavioral and mental activity of a person, influencing his interaction with the environment. In the context of close relationships, trust plays a key role in establishing deep emotional connections and mutual understanding between partners. Mistrust, on the contrary, can lead to tension and conflicts, undermining the foundation of relationships. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of formation and manifestation of trust is important for maintaining healthy and harmonious relationships. The subject of the study is the peculiarities of the manifestation of trust and distrust in close relationships, their influencing factors, formation mechanisms and consequences for interpersonal interaction. Trust is a fundamental component of interpersonal relationships, especially in the context of close relationships. It determines the quality of interaction between partners, affects the emotional well-being and stability of relationships. Mistrust, in turn, can become a source of conflicts, emotional tension and even a break in communication. This article examines theoretical approaches to the study of trust and distrust, their main manifestations and influencing factors. Trust in psychology is defined as a belief in the reliability, honesty and benevolence of a partner. It is formed on the basis of past experience, shared values and the ability to open communication. Mistrust is manifested in doubts about the sincerity and honesty of another person, which can lead to suspicion and avoidance of deep emotional interaction. Further research could focus on practical strategies for rebuilding trust after it is lost and methods for preventing the development of mistrust in relationships.

References

Govier T. Dilemmas of Trust. Montreal : McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1998.

Dolan P., Peasgood T., White M. Do we really know what makes us happy? A review of the economic literature on the factors associated with subjective well-being. Journal of Economic Psychology. 2008. Vol. 29, No. 1. P. 94–122.

Gilson L. Trust and the development of health care as a social institution. Social Science & Medicine. 2003. Vol. 56, No. 7. P. 1453–1468.

Erikson E.H. Childhood and Society. 2nd ed. New York : W. W. Norton & Company, 1963. P. 470.

Syed M., McLean K.C. The Oxford Handbook of Identity Development. Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2018.

Lewicki R.J., Bunker B.B. Developing and maintaining trust in work relationships. In: Kramer R. M., Tyler T. R. (eds.). Trust in Organizations: Frontiers of Theory and Research. Thousand Oaks, CA : Sage, 1996. P. 114–139.

Lewicki R.J., Wiethoff C. Trust, trust development, and trust repair. In: Deutsch M., Coleman P.T. (eds.). The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice. San Francisco : Jossey-Bass, 1985. P. 968.

Boone C., Holmes J.G. The dynamics of interpersonal trust: Resolving uncertainty in the face of risk. Advances in Personal Relationships. 1991. Vol. 2. P. 194.

Baer M.D., Colquitt J.A. Why trust matters: An examination of the four categories of trust. Journal of Organizational Behavior. 2018. Vol. 39, No. 2. P. 168.

Barber B. The Logic and Limits of Trust. New Brunswick, NJ : Rutgers University Press, 1983. P. 15/

Lewis J.D., Weigert A. Trust as a Social Reality. Social Forces. 1985. Vol. 63, No. 4. P. 967–985.

Baldwin M.W., Keelan J.P.R., Fehr B., Enns V., Koh-Rangarajoo E. Social-cognitive conceptualization of attachment working models: Availability and accessibility effects. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 1996. Vol. 71, No. 1. P. 94–109.

Carter S. The Power of Attachment: How to Create Deep and Lasting Intimate Relationships. New York : TarcherPerigee, 2013. P. 45.

Hazan C., Shaver P.R. Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 1987. Vol. 52, No. 3. P. 273.

Ehrenberg M.F., Robertson B.M., Pringle J. Attachment style and relationship difficulties: Working models and self-perceptions. Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy. 2012. Vol. 46, No. 4. P. 360–375.

Fletcher G.J.O., Kininmonth L.A. Measuring relationship beliefs: Individual differences in beliefs and relationship satisfaction. Journal of Research in Personality. 1992. Vol. 26. P. 214–397. DOI: 10.1016/0092-6566(92)90066-D.

Lam B.C.P. Relationship beliefs and cultural values: A comparative study of Taiwanese and European Americans. Asian Journal of Social Psychology. 2016. Vol. 19, No. 8. P. 842–850.

Roth K.E., Harkins D.A., Eng L.A. Parental conflict during divorce as a predictor of adjustment and future relationships: A retrospective study of siblings. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage. 2014. Vol. 55. P. 117–138. DOI: 10.1080/10502556.2013.871951.

Sturshen J., Crandall C., Bachman G. Parental divorce and interpersonal trust in adult women. Journal of Family Psychology. 2006. Vol. 20, No. 2. P. 135–140.

Oldehilken T., Kruger L., Schmid M. Family disruption and interpersonal outcomes: A study of trust in romantic relationships. European Journal of Developmental Psychology. 2008. Vol. 5, No. 4. P. 518–530.

Viršilaite A., Kazlauskas E., Žukauskiene R. Parental separation and trust issues in emerging adults: A Lithuanian sample. Baltic Journal of Psychology. 2021. Vol. 22, No. 1. P. 87–94.

Published

2025-03-28

How to Cite

Turishyn Т. О., & Kryzhanovska З. Ю. (2025). СHARACTERISTICS CONFIDENCE IN CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS OF ADULTS. Psychological Studies, (1), 109–115. https://doi.org/10.32782/psych.studies/2025.1.15

Issue

Section

Статті