ABSTRACT
Interpersonal trust is commonly defined as an individual's willingness to be vulnerable to another party based on positive expectations of the actions of the other party. This chapter explores the concept of reciprocal trust as a self-reinforcing dynamic process. Using this conceptualization, three key facets of reciprocal trust come to the fore: the direction of trust spirals, the dynamic nature of the relationships over time and the shape of the trust trajectory. Current literature is reviewed from the perspective of these three issues and areas of inquiry are identified. Reciprocal trust is not a state or characteristic of a relationship but, rather, a dynamic process that describes the evolution of trust between two parties. Theory and research would suggest that the reciprocal trust cycle trust is likely to be virtuous as opposed to vicious. Early stages in a relationship are apt to begin with trusting behaviour as people are generally biased toward trusting.
