Propensity to trust and risk aversion: Differential roles in the trust process

Despite the growing interest in trust, relatively little is known about the individual differences, beyond propensity to trust (PT), that influence the trust process over time. The current study explored PT and risk aversion (RA) on trustworthiness perceptions and risk-taking behaviors. Utilizing discontinuous growth models, we found PT was related to initial perceptions of trustworthiness, but not risk-taking behaviors. RA was related to the rate of change in trustworthiness perceptions and risk-taking behaviors over time, but not initial perceptions or initial risk-taking behaviors. Results indicate these two personality constructs have differential relationships within the trust process. Implications of the findings are discussed.