Formation and change in interpersonal trust across the lifespan

The chapter presents a representative review of the current research on the formation and change in trust and/or mistrust during different developmental periods of life, from infancy to older adulthood. We start with theoretical conceptualizations of trust within close relationships. We then turn to review empirical work that spans developmentally salient milestones associated with the development of trust across key relationships, including parents, peers, and romantic partners. Spanning from infancy to adulthood, the chapter also addresses several basic questions regarding the development of trust (or lack thereof) with close others in different types of relationships, as well as experiences that may break down trust in these relationships.