Abstract

The present study was to investigate the basis of trust and distrust from the perspective of cultural psychology. We conducted a qualitative approach in terms of the reason to and psychological functions of trust and distrust. We also focused on the viewpoint of the relations between trust and distrust whether they are located on the continuum or independent dimensions. A total of 362 subjects participated in this study. The results revealed that the main reason to trust was interpersonal relationship, which indicated they have known each others well. On the other hand, the reason to distrust was based on the judgement of inconsistency between words and deeds, and other's selfish behavior. Therefore, the basis of trust and distrust was not only different but also located on the continuum. In addition, the principal psychological function of trust was a psychological safety, whereas that of distrust was a psychological anxiety.