ASSESSMENTS OF TRUST IN INTIMATE-RELATIONSHIPS AND THE SELF-PERCEPTION PROCESS

Assessments of trust in intimate relationships are often based on perc eptions of a partner's behaviors; however, people's own actions, incre ased self-awareness, and individual differences (e.g., exchange or com munal orientation) may also affect their trust in their partners. Comm unally or exchange-oriented members of heterosexual dating couples, st udents in a U.S. university, displayed either trusting or irrelevant b ehaviors under conditions of increased self-awareness. They then compl eted measures of interpersonal trust. The participants' trusting behav iors significantly determined their level of trust; heightened self-aw areness and a communal orientation further enhanced the participants' trust in their partners.