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 pro-pensity 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.