Trust—or the belief that someone or something can be relied on to do what they say they will—is a key element of social relationships and a foundation for cooperation . It is critical for romantic relationships , friendships, interactions between strangers, and social groups on a large scale, and a lack of trust in such scenarios can come with serious consequences. Indeed, society as a whole would
What Is Trust? (Plain Language Explanation)
Trust refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Trust
- Symptoms: The specific ways trust shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen trust
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When trust occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Trust
- Trust is far more common than most people realize
- Trust is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with trust see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about trust is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing trust, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.