Closer People Hurt You More: How Social Distance Modulates Deception-Triggered Trust Decline and Trust Repair

Abstract

Close relationships generally help foster and sustain interpersonal trust, but also intensify harm when trust is violated by deception. Based on Expectancy Violation Theory and Decision System Theory, this study explored how social distance moderates the impact of deception on trust through three experiments. In Study 1 (N = 86), deception by acquaintances (vs. strangers) resulted in a higher decline in trust. Building on this, Study 2 (N = 202) further examined mediating mechanisms, indicating that the deception of acquaintances reduces trust more by causing negative emotions, while deception of strangers affects trust more by decreasing integrity perception. From the perspective of trust repair, Study 3 (N = 51) found that apologies from acquaintances were more effective in restoring trust, revealing the deeper role of the deceiver's social distance on trust dynamics. Results suggest that deception at different social distances has distinct effects on trust-related outcomes, thereby deepening the understanding of the relationship between social distance and trust, and offering practical guidance for managing trust violations in social relationships.