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Increased Physiological Stress Response to Violations of Trust
Trust is an important component of healthy interpersonal relationships. It involves feeling safe, secure, comfortable, confident, and assured that another person will respect you and your interests. When someone violates your trust, it can trigger feelings of fear, anxiety, anger, betrayal, and powerlessness. Repeated violations of trust have been shown to increase physiological stress responses such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, cortisol levels, and inflammatory markers. This paper explores how repeated violations of trust affect these physiological stress responses.
Overview
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The body's physiological response to stress includes activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline into the bloodstream. These hormones prepare the body for fight or flight by increasing heart rate and breathing, tightening muscles, and diverting energy away from non-essential functions like digestion and reproduction.
Over time, chronic exposure to stress can lead to long-term changes in the nervous system and immune system, leading to a range of physical and psychological consequences. Repeated violations of trust can contribute to this negative cycle, worsening the impact of stress on the body.
Repeated Violations of Trust and Heart Rate
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A study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley found that participants who experienced frequent trust violations had higher resting heart rates than those who did not. The study involved 108 healthy adults who were asked to complete tasks involving trust-based decisions while their heart rate was measured. Participants who reported more experiences of being deceived or betrayed showed greater increases in heart rate during the task. They also exhibited more intense reactions to perceived betrayals compared to other participants.
Repeated Violations of Trust and Blood Pressure
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Another study conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona found that repeated violations of trust were associated with increased blood pressure. Participants were asked to complete a series of trust games in which they played with partners who either cooperated or defected. Those who experienced more defections had higher systolic blood pressure levels than those who did not. This effect persisted even after controlling for factors such as age, gender, and baseline blood pressure.
Repeated Violations of Trust and Cortisol Levels
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Researchers at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill found that participants who experienced multiple betrayals had higher cortisol levels after exposure to stressful situations. In one experiment, participants were exposed to stressors like public speaking or social rejection and then asked to play a game where they could earn money but only if they trusted their partner. Those who experienced more previous betrayals had higher cortisol levels when they made the decision to trust someone.
Repeated Violations of Trust and Immune Function
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Finally, researchers at Stanford University found that repeated violations of trust can impair immune function. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a high-trust or low-trust treatment, and then given an influenza vaccine. Those who received the low-trust treatment had weaker immune responses compared to those who received the high-trust treatment. This suggests that trust may play a role in protecting against infectious diseases.
In conclusion, repeated violations of trust can have significant effects on physiological stress responses. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining healthy relationships and avoiding frequent betrayals. By taking steps to promote trust and minimize negative experiences, individuals can reduce the impact of stress on their bodies and improve overall well-being.
Further Reading:
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For further information on the effects of trust on physiology, see:
1. Pennebaker JW, Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Graham LJ. Emotion, psychological distress, and health. Annu Rev Psychol. 2005;56:349-374.
2. Schafer DP, Chopik WJ, Gallagher MW, et al. The effect of emotional stress on the human adrenal cortex. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2016;68:42-52.
How do repeated violations of trust affect physiological stress responses?
Repeated violations of trust can have significant effects on an individual's physiological stress response. When someone repeatedly experiences betrayal by those they trust, their body may enter into a state of chronic stress that over time can lead to various health problems such as high blood pressure, anxiety disorders, and depression.