Interpersonal Trust

For those interested in 'theoretically' defined constructs, you will find Dr. Rotter's Social Theory (SLT) definition of the word trust interesting.

In SLT, Interpersonal Trust is defined as "the expectancy others will do what they say they will do."

Internal Locus of Control, discussed in another of my Blog posts, addresses feelings about ourselves and the important role personal skills play in the achievement of our goals.

Interpersonal Trust addresses how we feel about others and whether we actually believe they will do what they say they will do. Let's see how this works ...

Let's say you believe someone else 'will do' what he/she says they will do" Let's also say you are involved in an important relationship, such as a marriage or business partnership. With trust we can work together and accomplish our goals. Without trust, we will be reluctant to invest either emotion or money. It's just too risky.

Trusting relationships must develop out of a bedrock of experience and be sustained because of validating outcomes. Simply put: We have to do what we say we will do and so must the other guy. This is a requirement of Interpersonal Trust and this determines, in part, our ability to work effectively together. There is no way around this, nor should there be.

All successful, healthy, relationships require trust and trust is the outcome of validating experiences we have had - and continue to have - with each other - over time.

Dr. Ray

Together, making winning moments your way of life