Document Type
Article
Abstract
Trust plays an important role in relationships and social functioning while also influencing communication, cooperation, and emotional well-being. Previous research has found that dogs enhance social relationships, approachability, and perceptions of safety and friendliness in everyday interactions. However, not much is known about how the effect dogs have on perceptions of trust applies when photographs are used. Such info is essential given the amount of online social interaction that occurs in society today. This current study examined whether the presence of a dog in a photo affects our trust levels in strangers. In Study 1, 74 participants viewed photos of people either with or without a dog and rated them on two surveys: the first measured traits of trustworthiness and the second measured situational trust. Study 2 replicated this design while also including the BFI-10, additional questions about dog experiences, and a greater sample size (N=114). Results of both studies found no significant difference in perceived trust levels between the dog and no dog conditions for either type of trust. These results contrast with prior research, suggesting that dogs may affect trust primarily through live social interactions rather than photographs. This difference is important in an increasingly digital world where first impressions start online and may suggest that development of trust occurs differently in these contexts.
Recommended Citation
Denishchich, Victoria A. and Christ, Christa C.
(2025)
"A Dog Tail: To Trust or Not to Trust,"
University of South Carolina Upstate Student Research Journal: Vol. 19, Article 6.
Available at:
https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/uscusrj/vol19/iss1/6