Distrust: A critical review exploring a universal distrust sequence

Abstract

In this article, we review the distrust literature and explore whether the universal sequence for trust as outlined by Dietz (2011) and Dietz and Den Hartog (2006) is also true for distrust. Compared to trust, there is much less research on distrust, although the field has been rapidly developing in recent years. We argue that it is time to explore a universal sequence for distrust to take stock of current knowledge and to focus the empirical and conceptual research. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that such a universal sequence is a valuable framework for distrust research. This analytical exercise also forces us to identify tacit assumptions that frame and guide much of the current distrust (and trust) research. In so doing, we identify two main areas that require more attention: 1) the definition of distrust and its relation to trust and 2) the universal sequences and their dynamics. These findings lead to avenues for further research.