Trust and Commitment through Self-Verification

This research examines how self-processes and trust influence the development of commitment in society, thereby making social order possible. The central thesis is that the process of self-verification leads directly and indirectly, through positive emotions and trust, to the development of committed relationships, positive emotional attachments, and a group orientation; all of these are characteristics of a stable social structure. At the same time, self-verification results in the accomplishment of the meaning structures and resource flows that define social structures. In the current study, we test the self-verification-commitment process with respect to the spousal identity for newly married couples during the first three years of their marriage. The results support the central thesis and underscore the importance of self-processes and trust in building and maintaining social structure.