What is the Neurochemical of Trust?

Today, I want to talk about understanding trust. We live in an increasingly untrusting world—there’s uncertainty in the media, skepticism in public discourse, and a general struggle to determine who and what we can trust. More than ever, we need to understand the neurochemical of trust and how it impacts human relationships.

Trust: A Fundamental Human Need

Trust isn’t just a social concept—it’s deeply rooted in our biology. From the moment we’re born, we are completely dependent on others for survival. This need for trust doesn’t stop in childhood—it continues throughout adulthood, shaping how we interact with society.

We need to believe that others will contribute as we do, that there’s fairness and reliability in human connections. And there’s one key neurochemical of trust that helps reinforce these bonds.

Oxytocin: The Bonding Hormone

The neurochemical of trust is oxytocin—a hormone that creates a sense of bonding and belonging. It plays a crucial role in:
✔️ Maternal bonding from birth
✔️ Socialisation within groups
✔️ Building resilience in challenging times

The stronger our social network, the higher our oxytocin levels, which helps us trust, connect, and support others.

The Role of Fairness in Trust

Trust is reinforced when people feel treated fairly. A sense of reciprocity—”I do something for you, and you do something for me”—strengthens human relationships. However, oxytocin also has an unexpected effect.

In-Group vs. Out-Group Trust

Oxytocin strengthens trust and empathy within our in-group—our family, close friends, or communities. But it also creates an us-versus-them mindset, making us less empathetic toward those outside our group.

This is why people often distrust others with different political beliefs, cultural backgrounds, or values. The more we identify with an in-group, the harder it becomes to empathise with outsiders.

Building Bridges: Expanding Trust Beyond Our In-Group

To foster trust beyond our immediate circles, we must:
✅ Identify common interests with different groups
✅ Share hobbies or activities that unite people
✅ Focus on shared values rather than differences

By expanding our in-group, we increase oxytocin levels, enhancing trust, empathy, and collaboration across diverse communities.

Final Thoughts on the Neurochemical of Trust

Understanding the neurochemical of trust helps us navigate today’s divided world. By consciously expanding our social bonds, we can foster more empathy, build stronger connections, and create a more trusting society.

So, when it comes to trust,

Stay Curious!

You can watch more of our short videos here.

With best regards,

David Klaasen

Talent4Performance help business leaders clarify complexity. We inspire people and drive continuous performance improvement, so they can convert thinking into action and results.

©David Klaasen – 2025