Trust Issues Test

The Trust Issues Test is a research-informed self-report profile based on psychometric methodology and relevant psychological research. The sections below summarize the academic background and explain how each result pattern should be read.

Academic Background

This profile is based on the research of Julian Rotter at the University of Connecticut and John Holmes at the University of Waterloo. Rotter's 1967 Interpersonal Trust Scale was among the first standardized measures of how far people expect others' word to be reliable, and Rempel, Holmes, and Zanna later showed that trust in close relationships is built and broken along predictability, dependability, and faith in a partner's motives. The facets below follow that tradition by measuring distrust as a set of concrete protective habits rather than a single attitude.

Betrayal Expectation

Betrayal Expectation is the persistent tendency to anticipate that close partners will eventually abandon, reject, or let you down when stakes are high. This pattern involves bracing for disappointment even in stable relationships, often interpreting minor lapses or ambiguous behaviors as early warning signs of an impending breakup. Those who score high in this area frequently scan for evidence of waning commitment, prioritizing self-protection over vulnerability. Conversely, those with lower scores generally assume that misunderstandings are temporary and feel secure in the stability of their bonds. This trait measures the underlying fear that closeness is a precursor to eventual emotional harm.

Guardedness

Guardedness is the tendency to withhold personal feelings, vulnerabilities, and private thoughts to maintain emotional safety within a relationship. This style involves keeping a deliberate distance from others, often framing secrecy as a necessary defense against being hurt or misunderstood. Individuals who score high in this area feel uneasy sharing their deepest needs, preferring to remain self-contained until they are absolutely certain of a partner’s intentions. In contrast, those with lower scores feel comfortable with appropriate self-disclosure and view emotional openness as a foundation for intimacy. It measures the tradeoff between the safety of keeping secrets and the closeness gained through vulnerability.

Loyalty Testing

Loyalty Testing is the behavioral habit of creating scenarios or monitoring a partner to verify their commitment and honesty. This pattern often manifests as checking messages, withholding affection to see if a partner will pursue, or keeping a mental record of small slights to detect patterns of disrespect. Those who score high in this area feel a need to confirm their partner’s devotion through active investigation rather than direct communication. Those with lower scores tend to address concerns openly and trust their partner’s word without requiring proof. This trait measures how much someone relies on behavioral traps to manage their relationship anxiety.

Motive Suspicion

Motive Suspicion is the chronic tendency to interpret the actions of others as potentially manipulative or driven by hidden agendas. This perspective leads individuals to question the sincerity of kindness, often defaulting to the belief that people prioritize their own interests over the well-being of the relationship. High scorers frequently look for ulterior motives behind unexpected gestures, whereas low scorers are more inclined to give others the benefit of the doubt. This trait measures the struggle to believe in the genuine goodwill of others, often resulting in a cautious, defensive approach to interpersonal interactions where one constantly searches for signs of deceit.

Compulsive Self-Reliance

Compulsive Self-Reliance is the tendency to handle problems alone and avoid depending on others, even when support is available. This pattern is rooted in the belief that leaning on someone else creates a dangerous vulnerability that leads to disappointment. Those who score high in this area take pride in their independence and often view asking for help as a sign of weakness or a loss of control. In contrast, those with lower scores are comfortable relying on others and recognize that mutual support strengthens a relationship. This trait measures the preference for total autonomy as a primary defense mechanism against interpersonal risk.

Limitations

Educational self-report. Not a clinical diagnosis or a verdict on any specific relationship.

References

• Rotter, J. B. (1967). A new scale for the measurement of interpersonal trust1. Journal of Personality, 35(4), 651-665.
• Bao, X., Li, S., Zhang, Y., Tang, Q., & Chen, X. (2022). Different effects of anxiety and avoidance dimensions of attachment on interpersonal trust: A multilevel meta-analysis. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 39(7), 2069-2093.
• Rotenberg, K. J. (2019). The Psychology of Interpersonal Trust: Theory and Research. Routledge.
• Bell, V., Robinson, B., Katona, C., Fett, A., & Shergill, S. (2018). When trust is lost: the impact of interpersonal trauma on social interactions. Psychological Medicine, 49(6), 1041-1046.