How do shared experiences of danger influence long-term interpersonal trust and relational resilience?
Trust is essential for healthy romantic relationships, especially when it comes to sharing personal details, such as feelings, opinions, desires, fears, and secrets. It allows partners to be vulnerable without worrying about being judged or betrayed.
How does trust develop between people who have never been close before? Research suggests that the experience of danger together can strengthen bonds between strangers and lead to greater levels of trust, which may be particularly relevant in dangerous environments where survival depends on cooperation and collaboration.
In one study, participants were asked to either share an emotional story with another person or play a game of tic-tac-toe. They then had to decide whether to trust their partner based on their decision-making ability. Those who had experienced a shared danger prior to the experiment showed higher levels of trust than those who had not. This finding suggests that shared adversity can promote closeness and create a sense of camaraderie, leading to increased trust.
Another study found that soldiers who fought alongside each other reported stronger trust and loyalty than those who did not. This effect was even more pronounced among those who had experienced combat trauma together. The researchers attributed this to the intense bonding that occurs during life-or-death situations. When individuals must rely on others to survive, they become emotionally attached and learn to depend on them for support.
Not all shared experiences of danger result in positive outcomes.
Victims of traumatic events like natural disasters or mass shootings often struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may avoid relationships altogether due to fear and mistrust. In these cases, it is important to seek professional help and allow time to heal.
Shared experiences of danger appear to have significant effects on interpersonal trust and relational resilience. While not everyone will benefit from such experiences, they can provide valuable opportunities for growth and connection if managed properly.
How do shared experiences of danger influence long-term interpersonal trust and relational resilience?
Shared experiences of danger have been shown to foster trust and relationship resilience by increasing mutual understanding, creating common ground for cooperation, and enhancing personal and collective agency. When people experience traumatic events together, they develop an intimate knowledge of each other's strengths and vulnerabilities that can serve as a foundation for future collaboration, problem-solving, and teamwork.