Where Do Trust Issues Come from?

Trust issues are often connected to negative experiences in the past. Being let down or betrayed by people who you trusted–whether it was a friend, partner, parent, or other trusted figure or institution–can interfere with your ability to believe in others.

What is the root cause of trust issues?

Trust issues often come from early life experiences and interactions. These experiences often take place in childhood. Some people do not get enough care and acceptance as children. Others are abused, violated, or mistreated.

What are trust issues a symptom of?

Trust issues are characterized by fear of betrayal, abandonment, or manipulation. And this fear is often triggered as a result of betrayal (such as infidelity), abandonment (think: leaving a child or foregoing a relationship with them), or manipulation (for example, dishonesty or gaslighting).