A study recently published in the journal Psychological Bulletin of the American Psychological Association found that people who show higher levels of trust, in both individuals and institutions, report a greater sense of wellbeing compared to those who struggle to trust. The researchers pointed out that this is especially important because mental wellbeing is not only a measure of quality of life but also a predictor of health and longevity.
Why does trust enhance our sense of wellbeing? Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, explained that the study discovered people who feel they can rely on others, whether in close relationships or in broader social systems, experience less stress, better emotional regulation, and a greater feeling of security in the world.
"All of these contribute not only to mental health but also to physical health," she stated. "A lack of trust causes people to experience more loneliness, hypervigilance, or anxiety, and over the long term, chronic stress activates the body's stress system. Studies have already linked chronic stress to inflammation, heart disease, decreased immune function, and even cognitive decline."
Conversely, the ability to trust others can offer a degree of protection. It reduces cortisol levels and helps sustain healthy long-term behaviors – such as an active social life, seeking medical attention in time, and maintaining healthy routines, Hafeez explained. "Trust isn't just a pleasant emotion, it's a powerful psychological resource," she added. "When you cultivate it throughout life, it may contribute to both emotional resilience and longevity."
The research also found that the most crucial kind of trust is interpersonal trust, which is present in close ties with family and friends, and has the greatest effect on a sense of wellbeing. "In the clinic, one of the strongest protective factors in a patient's recovery process is a positive and strong social support system – and this is exactly what the research reinforces," said Dr. Patrice LeGaux, a marriage and family therapist.
LeGaux noted that trust becomes particularly vital in old age, when dependence on others increases. "When you have positive relationships with a stable foundation of trust, you also have higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction."
How can we boost our trust in other people? Even if the benefits of trust are clear, it's not always easy, especially when it has been violated in the past. Nonetheless, mental health experts explained that there are practical methods to begin rebuilding it.
Start small
According to the study, experience and environment influence trust. Dr. Cynthia Viar, a mental health counseling lecturer, explained that the process of building trust starts with small, everyday moments. For example, a person who struggles to trust can observe that colleagues arrive on time, keep their word, and collaborate. "That kind of observation can be reassuring and open the door to deeper, more meaningful interactions," she said. Hafeez recommended paying attention to how people behave consistently. "Do their actions align with their words? Do they listen without judgment? Do they respect your boundaries? Trust grows when behavior is consistent, even in small things."
Understand the risk involved
Increasing trust means taking small, calculated risks, said Dr. Hannah Holmes, a clinical psychologist. "There's always a possibility that people will disappoint us, particularly if it has already happened before, and that causes real fear."
Change your perspective
Trust requires a conscious shift in thought patterns and continuous monitoring of one's mood, explained Dr. Tori Broms. "Our general feeling affects how we see the world. When we are positive and balanced, we are more trusting, and when we are frustrated or pessimistic, we tend to be suspicious."
Examine the source of the difficulty
According to LeGaux, there is usually a good reason why we find it hard to trust. "The first step is to recognize this and legitimize it, to understand why we behave this way. Only then can we ensure that past injuries aren't present in new relationships." She said she asks patients, "Does this pain belong to the current relationship?" – a question that makes it possible to understand that you can be safe now, even if that was not the case in the past. "The real work is learning to trust ourselves, so we will know how to identify when a person in front of us is indeed trustworthy."
Stay in the moment
Hafeez emphasized the importance of being in the present. Don't assume that a new person will behave like someone from the past. "It requires awareness and patience, but it's possible. And it's also important to strengthen emotional boundaries. When we know we can say 'no,' move away, or protect ourselves, it's easier for us to give others a chance."
Give people a chance to prove themselves
Holmes suggested offering small opportunities that allow others to demonstrate trustworthiness, whether it's telling an embarrassing story or delegating a small task to someone else. "Trust is built slowly, and that's okay."
How do you balance trust and caution? LeGaux explained that trust is like a muscle – you need to exercise it. This includes trusting ourselves and our intuition. Instead of trusting blindly or automatically suspecting, Broms suggested practicing "realistic trust building." This involves checking if the person keeps promises, if their behavior is consistent, and if they know how to respect boundaries. Viar added that it is worthwhile to distinguish between "good judgment" and "cynicism." Both involve caution, but cynicism blocks the possibility of trust, while good judgment allows you to remain open to new information.
