Perceived rights/duties in interpersonal relation and its influence to interpersonal trust (in Chinese)

Abstract

Using TST and the interpersonal trust situational questionnaire, the investigation explored the interpersonal sense of right and duty and its impact on interpersonal trust in the context of Chinese culture. There are three main conclusions in the present study. First, perceived rights and duties manifested a significant difference between relationships with strangers and with relatives/friends. So, perceived rights/duties are related to interpersonal relationships and roles. Secondly, in Chinese culture, perceived rights and duties are distinct in different interpersonal relations. In relations with relatives and acquaintances, perceived rights and duties are correlated, but in a negative way. In relations with strangers, perceived rights and duties were not correlated significantly. The separation of perceived rights and duties in Chinese culture is attributed to Chinese traditional culture emphasis on unilateral duties. Therefore, one side may perceive more rights than duties, and the other side will perceive more duties than rights. The asymmetry of rights and duties may be considered the root of trust crisis. Thirdly, in the context of Chinese culture, perceived rights and duties were positively correlated with interpersonal relations. After regression analysis, it was found that each of them can predict trust at some extent, especially perceived rights. Perceived rights were influenced by perceived duties presented by the partner in interpersonal relationships.