Trust in Context: A Three-Factor Experimental Study

Existing studies on trust are mainly based on rational choice theory or the relational logic of the “differential mode of association,” while neglecting the contextuality of trust and the interaction of multiple factors. This study used a within-subjects situational experiment involving 252 participants, manipulating three variables: relationship type (kin, acquaintance, general other), entrusted matter (loans of 2000 yuan, 20,000 yuan, and 200,000 yuan), and trustee attributes (high ability and integrity vs. low ability and integrity). The Friedman test and Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were used to examine the effects of these three factors on trust intention and the mechanisms of their interaction. The results indicate that trust intention is influenced by relationship type, the importance of the entrusted matter, and trustee attributes, with significant interactions among the three. This indicates that trust is a contextual outcome shaped by multiple interacting factors rather than a linear result. This study provides contextualized evidence that relationship type, entrusted matter, and trustee attributes jointly shape trust intention.