ISSN 0439-755X
CN 11-1911/B

›› 2000, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (03): 311-316.

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PATH MODEL OF SPECIFIC TRUST AND GENERAL TRUST IN INTERPERSONAL BEHAVIOR

Zhang Jianxin(Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101)Fanny Cheung; K.Leung(Department of Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong)   

  • Published:2000-09-25 Online:2000-09-25

Abstract: The study proposed a theoretical model of trusting behavior. The model incorporates the constructs of genera trust, specific trust, and perceived trustworthiness of a target person, and explored their effects ontrUShng behavior- Path analysis in LISREL is conducted on a samPle of 223 workers with an average age of 24. Various indexes of goodnss of fit indicated congruence between the model and the dare collected in the study. The model was tested against the three scenario of interpersonal interaction, involving one's elder sister, neighbor, and a stranger on the street. The major parts of the model were confirmed, while some minor modrification was needed. The modified models mainly showed: a. Specific trust plays a key role in all three situations, b. general trust has effect on trusting behavior only in the situations involving a neighbor and a stranger, c. the less frequent interaction with a target person, the more psychological resources are necessary in motivating people to trust the target person.

Key words: interpersonal trust, structure equation model, target persons