David DeSteno Books
David DeSteno is a professor of psychology at Northeastern University, known for his research on emotion, morality, and social behavior. His work has been featured in major media outlets, and he is the author of several books on the science of human behavior.
Known for: The Truth About Trust: How It Determines Success in Life, Love, Learning, and More
Books by David DeSteno
The Truth About Trust: How It Determines Success in Life, Love, Learning, and More
In this insightful work, psychologist David DeSteno explores the science of trust—how it is built, broken, and repaired. Drawing on experimental research and real-world examples, he reveals that trust is not a fixed trait but a dynamic process shaped by emotion, context, and social cues. The book examines how trust influences relationships, business, and society, offering practical guidance for making better decisions about whom to trust and how to foster trustworthy behavior.
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The Nature of Trust
I begin by redefining trust not as a moral stance but as an emotional strategy. Evolution shaped it to balance the benefits of cooperation against the potential costs of betrayal. Long ago, our ancestors couldn’t survive alone; they depended on others for food, protection, and care. Being too trusti...
From The Truth About Trust: How It Determines Success in Life, Love, Learning, and More
The Science Behind Trust
One of the most compelling findings from my lab involved a simple game of money exchange. Two strangers could choose to share money, doubling its value if both cooperated. Over countless iterations, we found that when participants were induced to feel gratitude—say, after someone helped them in a di...
From The Truth About Trust: How It Determines Success in Life, Love, Learning, and More
About David DeSteno
David DeSteno is a professor of psychology at Northeastern University, known for his research on emotion, morality, and social behavior. His work has been featured in major media outlets, and he is the author of several books on the science of human behavior.
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David DeSteno is a professor of psychology at Northeastern University, known for his research on emotion, morality, and social behavior. His work has been featured in major media outlets, and he is the author of several books on the science of human behavior.
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