Unpacking trust: The Italian validation of the Epistemic Trust, Mistrust, and Credulity Questionnaire (ETMCQ)

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280328
• Publication Date: 2023-01-26T18:30:48Z
• Authors: Marianna Liotti; Alberto Milesi; Grazia Fernanda S...; Annalisa Tanzilli; Anna Maria Speranza; Laura Parolin; Chloe Campbell; Peter Fonagy; Vittorio Lingiardi; Guido Giovanardi
• Keywords: Mentalization

The construct of epistemic trust has received much consideration in recent psychological literature, even though mainly from a theoretical perspective. overall aim this study was to validate the first self-report measure trust-the Epistemic Trust, Mistrust, and Credulity Questionnaire (ETMCQ)-in an Italian sample. Our primary goal test factorial validity instrument, also exploring influence age, gender, level education on (Study 1, n = 843). Secondarily, we investigated associations between trust, mistrust, credulity, other aspects functioning, as well with presence adverse childhood experiences smaller number participants 2, 445). Besides ETMCQ, survey included ad hoc questionnaire investigating socio-demographic characteristics measures reflective mentalized affectivity, traumatic experiences, attachment, symptoms. Statistical analysis showed three-factor hierarchical structure similar model proposed original validation, some differences that suggest cultural factors determining individuals' stance. results corroborate previous contributions regarding association wellbeing, disruptions higher levels suffering. Both Mistrust were significantly related attachment avoidance anxiety, lower mentalization, abilities emotional regulation, psychopathological ETMCQ represents easily administered time-effective tool. Its use could pave way for interesting clinical findings.