Who Do We Trust?

Wonder why you are more drawn to some people rather than others when you’re in need of help? New research via Science Daily, suggest that it can take less than 20 seconds to determine whether someone is trustworthy, kind or compassionate. It turns out we may be hard wired to recognize who may or may not help us out during stressful situations.

A research study by UC Berkeley studied two dozen couples who all provided DNA samples. Research observers recorded each couple as they talked about a tough situation they had encountered. They recorded videos of the partner that had taken the role of listening.  A separate group of observers that did not know the couples saw the video clip of the partners that were listening. They were then asked to rate which person seemed the most approachable based on their non-verbal behaviors.

It turns out the people who were rated as most trustworthy and approachable were those who had a particular oxytocin receptor gene known as the GG genotype. Those who carry this gene are more likely to display trustworthy non-verbal behaviors such as more eye contact, head nods and smiling, all of which symbolize friendless and kindness.

Although some of us may be genetically predisposed to engage in these behaviors, that doesn’t mean we cannot learn to do so! Research shows that we speak out to others more non-verbally than verbally. The way we position our body or show eye contact can even determine how much confidence we have in ourselves. Practicing these behaviors can help us succeed in certain areas of our lives such as relationships, jobs, school, etc!