Young Children and Trust in Turkey

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine differences in children's generalised trust and the maternal behaviour, child temperament, and demographic factors on the levels of trust in children. A total of 314 mothers and their children participated in the study. Results showed no evidence of sex differences in children's beliefs. Children living in urban settings had more generalised trust beliefs than their counterparts living in rural settings. Middle children had less trust in the reliability of teachers than young ones, and more emotional trust in peers than did their younger counterparts. Young children with an easy temperament were found to be more trusting. Easy temperament was associated with more trust in the reliability basis. There was also evidence that father involvement in childcare was associated with trust in children.