If you are able to control yourself, I will trust you: The role of perceived self-control in interpersonal trust.

Abstract

The present research tested the hypothesis that perception of others' self-control is an indicator of their trustworthiness. The authors investigated whether, in interactions between strangers as well as in established relationships, people detect another person's self-control, and whether this perception of self-control, in turn, affects trust. Results of 4 experiments supported these hypotheses. The first 2 experiments revealed that participants detected another person's trait of self-control. Experiments 3 and 4 revealed that participants also detected the temporary depletion of another person's self-control. Confirming the authors' predictions, perceived trait and state self-control, in turn, influenced people's judgment of the other person's trustworthiness. In line with previous research, these findings support the positive value of self-control for relationships and highlight the role of perceived self-control for the development of a fundamental relationship factor: trust.

The effects of observed decision time on expectations of extremity and cooperation

“…Our results suggest that people differentiate between high-and low-conflict decisions, and that low-conflict decisions can potentially be in the pursuit of self-interest or the collective good. People also differentiate between the effects of decision time and the effects of self-control on prosocial behavior (Critcher et al, 2013;Righetti & Finkenauer, 2011). People believe that impulsivity leads to selfish behavior (Righetti & Finkenauer, 2011), but in our studies feelings of conflict were primarily associated with extreme, rather than selfish, choices.…”

Lessons learned from trait self-control in well-being: making the case for routines and initiation as important components of trait self-control

“…People with high self-control are healthier (Moffitt et al, 2011) and report healthier lifestyles with less substance abuse, more exercise, and healthier eating patterns (De Ridder et al, 2012). They also report higher levels of psychosocial adjustment and less psychopathology (including depression and anxiety) (Bowlin & Baer, 2012;Tangney et al, 2004) as well as better interpersonal relationships (Finkel & Campbell, 2001;Righetti & Finkenauer, 2011). Besides being disciplined, and thereby better able to achieve long-term goals, people with high self-control also report higher levels of life satisfaction (Hofmann et al, 2013) and happiness (Cheung et al, 2014).…”

Automatic coping mechanisms in committed relationships: Increased interpersonal trust as a response to stress

“…However, interpersonal trust varies not only between but also within individuals as a function of situational demands. Various situational factors can influence one's willingness to trust someone, for instance, the amount of risk involved (Snijders & Keren, 2001), the possibility of reputation acquisition (e.g., Milinski, Semmann, & Krambeck, 2002;Wedekind & Milinski, 2000), or prior experiences with the person who receives trust (Rempel, Holmes, & Zanna, 1985;Righetti & Finkenauer, 2011). With regard to committed relationships, dyadic stress might be an additional situational factor that modulates interpersonal trust.…”