Did you know that improving just one personality trait might actually boost your chances of hitting that centenarian mark? Trust might be the secret ingredient!
We don’t really feel as trusting in today’s world, and honestly, with reports of online scams, impersonations, and the whirlwind of social media, who can blame us? But a recent study brought forth an interesting suggestion: learning to be more trusting could actually work wonders for our well-being. Published in the Psychological Bulletin of the American Psychological Association, this research shows that individuals who tend to trust people and institutions define as happier and healthier compared to their skeptical counterparts.
Alright, so what’s the secret sauce for becoming more trusting? Is it really possible to balance being cautious while still keeping an open heart? We checked in with some mental health experts for their insights.
Why Trust is Good for You
This study reveals that those who feel secure relying on others—no matter if it’s friends or the larger systems around them—experience significantly lower stress levels, better emotional health, and a stronger sense of safety in life, explains Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist and director at Comprehend the Mind.
Dr. Hafeez points out, “All these elements help not just with mental health but also play a crucial role in our physical wellbeing. When trust is absent, folks might end up feeling isolated, hyper-anxious, or on edge, leading to chronic stress that can have dire physical consequences. Scientists have linked stress to a slew of issues like inflammation, heart problems, a drop in immunity, and even cognitive decline.”
On the flip side, fostering trust in others can be protective—helping to stabilize those cortisol levels, strengthen social ties, motivate folks to seek medical help when needed, and encourage sticking to healthy habits.
Importantly, the type of trust that appears to have the most significant impact on our happiness stems from our personal relationships. “Having a solid support system can dramatically aid in the healing journey, which this study highlights,” adds Dr. Patrice Le Goy, a licensed therapist.
The article also emphasizes that trust is crucial, particularly for older adults, as they may need to lean on others more during various life transitions. “Strong relationships foster happiness and life satisfaction,” points out Le Goy.
Tips to Boost Your Trust in Others
If you’re like most, letting down your guard to be more trusting might not seem easy—especially if past hurts linger. Don’t fret, though! Here are some expert-recommended tips to help cultivate that trusting mindset:
Start Small
Per the study, our level of trust is shaped by our experiences. Dr. Cynthia Vejar from Lebanon Valley College suggests beginning with small, everyday experiences. If you’ve had trust issues, check if your colleagues consistently show they can be relied upon—like promptly collaborating or keeping commitments. These snippets of reliability can help get your confidence back.
Hafeez also recommends watching whether people’s actions align with their words. When you see consistency in small ways, your capacity for trust can gradually expand.
Recognize the Risks
Taking moments of calculated risk is part of the trust-building process, states Dr. Hannah Holmes, a clinical psychologist. Yes, there’s always the chance of getting let down—especially if that’s been your history—so approaching trust expanse carefully is perfectly normal.
Change Your Perspective
Embracing trust requires you to change how you see things and continuously keep an eye on your feelings, advises Dr. Tori Broems. It’s all about the vibes! If you feel upbeat, you’re more likely to trust, while negative feelings create more barriers to trusting others.
Understand Your Trust Issues
Often, if trust feels hard for you, it’s because you’ve been let down before. Dr. Le Goy recommends first acknowledging and validating those feelings. Then, consider, “Does this past pain really fit this present relationship?” Realizing that you can indeed feel safe again, even after former hurt, is liberating. It’s about empowering yourself to make wise decisions about people now.
Stay Present
Hafeez emphasizes staying in the moment instead of projecting past experiences onto new folks. This takes self-reflection and some patience, but it’s doable. Learning to establish emotional boundaries gives you confidence—once you recognize you can walk away or protect your own peace, being open isn’t as daunting.
Allow Space for People to Prove Themselves
While it’s wise to proceed with caution when meeting someone new, give them a fair shot to earn your trust. As Holmes suggests, start with low-stakes scenarios. Maybe share an embarrassing story or assign them a simple task. This not only spurs small confidence but also systematically builds your trust towards that person.
Balancing Trust and Caution
Le Goy compares trust to a muscle needing development. You’ll want to trust your instincts when something feels off. Rather than jumping in full throttle, Broems pushes realistic trust development—observe if folks stand by their commitments and respect your boundaries. You don’t need to leap; taking baby steps makes for better trust-building.
Getting it right can lead to a more trusting mindset over time without letting the past cloud your judgment. Remember, there’s a difference between discernment and pure cynicism. While discernment allows space to see genuine behavior unfold, cynicism blocks letting people in at all.
Ultimately, balancing between kindness and skepticism involves staying vulnerable while recognizing cues about who deserves your trust, Hafeez sums it up. “Not everyone is to be trusted the same way; it’s more about being open without being naive and ensuring that people earn your trust through their actions over time.”
For more details, check out the full article on Real Simple.
