New research in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology explores how childhood poverty influences trust. Across nearly 2,000 participants, people tended to trust those who grew up in lower-income households more than those from privileged backgrounds. The study links early hardship with perceived morality and reliability, a topic that resonates in both global and Thai contexts.
In Thailand, trust underpins friendships and workplace culture alike. The findings matter because they show how someone’s past, especially childhood conditions, can shape decisions about who to partner with or hire. In a society where family origins and social status influence reputations, understanding these trust dynamics can help foster fairer, more sincere interactions at work and in communities.
The research team, led by a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia, examined whether social class—past or present—affects perceived trustworthiness. In one key experiment, participants played a “trust game” with profiles they believed represented real people. Some profiles described humble upbringings—public schooling or part-time work—while others depicted privilege, such as private schooling or international travel.
Participants tended to entrust more raffle tickets to profiles from modest backgrounds. Importantly, people were more willing to trust those currently in lower-income situations, but they believed those with modest upbringings would actually reciprocate trust. According to the study’s lead researcher, trust is essential for healthy relationships across romance, work, and community life. The research suggests a clear link between childhood background and present-day trust perceptions.
Thai readers can relate to the idea that trust is shaped by lived experience. The researchers differentiate between behavioral trust (what people are willing to give) and the expectation that trust will be honored. Both were higher for individuals with modest childhoods, while current wealth influenced behavior more than belief in trustworthiness.
Altruism also entered the picture. Participants viewed people in lower social classes as potentially more altruistic, but did not always expect them to be as moral or as likely to return favors as those with humble beginnings. The researchers suggest trust can be strategic: wealthy individuals might downplay their history, while those who grew up in adversity may emphasize their roots to gain trust.
For Thailand’s diverse society, the study offers practical reflections. Thai culture prizes humility, shared responsibility, and harmony within communities. The findings echo long-standing values that favor individuals perceived as grounded and connected to ordinary life. At the same time, the research invites a critical look at how trust is earned and whether background alone should shape expectations in business and social settings.
The study does raise important questions about the fairness of relying on background as a proxy for trust. While perceptions favor those from modest upbringings, the research does not claim that such individuals are inherently more trustworthy in all contexts. Future studies are needed to understand when trust is warranted and when it might be misplaced.
Looking ahead, these insights could influence how Thais—and people worldwide—present themselves in interviews, on social media, or in community life. In environments where reputation matters, highlighting resilience and hard work may be seen as a trust-building strategy.
Practical takeaways for Thai readers:
- Be conscious of judgments based on background. Base trust on direct interactions and evidence rather than assumptions about class.
- In professional or community settings, demonstrate reliability through consistent behavior and transparent communication.
- Those from privileged backgrounds can cultivate authentic trust through humility and openness about past experiences.
- As Thai society grows more diverse and urbanized, embracing inclusive definitions of trust and morality can help bridge social gaps.
For further reading, researchers suggest examining the study on trust and social class in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, along with the associated APA press materials. Data and interpretations offer a thoughtful lens on how childhood experiences continue to shape everyday trust decisions.