Recent research published by the American Psychological Association has uncovered a surprising factor shaping who we trust: a person’s childhood financial background. People are far more likely to trust individuals raised in modest circumstances than those perceived to have grown up wealthy, suggesting that our perceptions of trustworthiness are deeply influenced by subtle social cues rooted in class and upbringing. The findings, featured in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, offer new insight into what drives trust in relationships, work settings, and broader society (Deseret News).
Trust is often cited as essential for healthy personal and professional connections, but what truly inspires one person to trust another has remained an open question. This research, led by a behavioral scientist from the University of British Columbia, involved experiments with more than 1,900 participants to evaluate how both childhood and current socioeconomic factors affect trust decisions.
In one experiment, participants engaged in a trust game using fictional profiles. These profiles subtly conveyed details about each character’s background, such as whether they attended public or private schools, worked part-time in their youth, or enjoyed European holidays. Participants known as “trusters” had to decide how many raffle tickets—each representing potential monetary reward—to transfer to these fictional “trustees.” The number of tickets handed over directly measured behavioral trust.
The study found a clear trend: participants consistently demonstrated more trust toward those whose backgrounds suggested less privilege. Those described as having attended public school or worked to support their families were trusted significantly more than those whose profiles hinted at private education or expensive vacations. Crucially, it was not just current income that mattered; trust was especially directed toward those who grew up with fewer resources, not merely those currently less affluent.
The lead researcher explained, “Trust is essential for healthy relationships. Without it, romantic partnerships can fail, workplaces can suffer and social divisions can grow… Our research shows that people draw a clear line between someone’s childhood and their current situation. They generally saw people who grew up in lower-class homes as more moral and trustworthy. While they sometimes acted as if they trusted people who are currently lower class, they didn’t always believe those people would honor that trust.”
Another layer of the research explored perceptions of morality associated with class. Again, participants associated greater morality and trustworthiness with childhood modesty—a pattern that continued even when the subjects’ current class was less modest.
While the study didn’t evaluate whether people from poorer backgrounds are actually more trustworthy, the results hint at deep-seated psychological tendencies. The researcher suggested that these perceptions may influence how people present themselves professionally or socially. “If you’ve always been wealthy, for example, you might want to downplay that history and focus on the now, whereas if you’ve always struggled financially, making it clear that you grew up with humble roots might be more to your advantage,” the study’s lead author said (Deseret News).
For Thai readers, these findings carry meaningful local relevance. Thailand, much like other societies, is layered with social hierarchies, and perceptions of “phu yai” (those of higher status) and “phu noi” (those of lower status) often subtly influence daily interactions. The importance of presenting oneself as humble or “nam jai” (generous and sincere)—key values in Thai culture—may be partially explained by this universal bias towards modest roots. Thai workplaces and families often emphasize a backstory of struggle, perhaps as a tacit way to inspire trust or camaraderie.
Historically, the elevation of figures in Thai media or politics who recount stories of overcoming humble beginnings aligns with the study’s findings. The longstanding cultural admiration for those who “come from the countryside” reflects a collective belief in the integrity of the underdog, which this global research now supports with empirical evidence.
As Thailand continues to grapple with widening social inequality, the implications of this research are significant. If local businesses, educators, and policymakers understand how class and upbringing affect perceptions of trust, they might adapt communication and hiring practices accordingly. For example, interviewers or business negotiators could consider highlighting their modest origins to establish rapport. Conversely, there is a risk that those from wealthier backgrounds may face unspoken skepticism, possibly influencing outcomes regardless of actual trustworthiness.
Looking ahead, the study’s authors call for further research on whether these perceptions correspond to reality—does growing up with less indeed encourage behaviors that warrant greater trust, or is this association a reflection of societal stereotypes? In the meantime, the study encourages self-awareness: individuals should be mindful of how information about their upbringing shapes first impressions, and organizations could train personnel to recognize the influence of unconscious biases in decision-making.
For Thai readers, practical steps might include fostering transparency and humility in introductions, especially in professional or new social settings. Embracing the Thai cultural ideal of “yim su” (resilience in the face of difficulty) can reassure others of one’s reliability and intentions. On the other hand, those from privileged backgrounds might opt for a more understated self-presentation, in line with Thai values of “kreng jai” (consideration for others’ feelings).
Ultimately, this research provides a timely reminder of the power of narrative—and the importance of seeing beyond surface-level cues to judge trustworthiness fairly, both in Thailand and abroad.
Sources utilized in this report include the original Deseret News article (deseret.com), and the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.