Interaction of Three Dimensions of Trust

These tables gives an idea of how the three dimensions Trustworthiness, Confidence, and Entrusting interact with each other and personality characteristics from my perspective.  The risk of such a chart is that it implies categories.  Let me just say that most of these are on a continuum (scale).  For example you could say high medium or low confidence.  You could also make the case for high, medium, and low trustworthiness.  However, for these charts I am going to stick to two levels on each dimension. 

Warning: these tables are speculative and should be taken with a healthy degree of skepticism.  I do welcome feedback below about your degree of agreement or disagreement with what I have put here as well as any suggestions to improve the model.

Choice Not to Entrust

	High Trustworthiness	Low Trustworthiness
High Confidence in other	Pre-trust (cautious optimism) Self Other fears (eg fear of commitment) Low or unresolved trauma Low self-worth Other Confusion Gentle attempts to understand	Naive Distrust  Self High risk for being hurt if trust is given Poor boundary Naive Other Looking for right moment to take advantage predatory Self-interest
Low Confidence In other	Fear Based Distrust  Self Fear of being hurt Possible History of trauma relationship(s) Need for healing Looking for evidence to not trust Other Regretted breaking of trust High levels of frustration Feeling attacked (defensive) Desire to redeem self Feeling helpless at times	Appropriate Distrust Self Healthy Boundary Healthy sense of self Good Judge of Character Other Likely to move on once it is realized one is not entrusted  Anger Can be vengeful

Choice to Entrust

	High Trustworthiness	Low Trustworthiness
High Confidence in other	Appropriate Trust (Healthy Relationship) Self Love and Respect Feeling secure Openness High intimacy Other Satisfied in relationship Mutual Love and respect Aware of others needs	Blind Trust Self Possibly blind to other's Character Poor self-image low self esteem Victim stance "Need" to be in a relationship Poor judge of Character Other Taking advantage deception for personal gain Self-focused High need for control
Low Confidence in other	Appropriate Risk taking Self Trust can quickly removed at slightest offense Lack of intimacy seems to hold back something Desire to control risks  Other Mild to moderate frustration Moments of impatience otherwise gentle longing for greater intimacy willing to wait for restored confidence Sensitive to needs	Sadomasochistic relationship (High likelihood of abuse) Self self-hatred turned inward Distorted sense of relationships Belief in deserve to be punished feeling trapped or no alternatives Other Self Hatred turned outward Controlling See others as objects not people Openly hostile Lack of respect Disregard for needs of others

In my next posts I will deal more practically with the tree dimensions of trust.