As a foundational concept in economics, the homo economicus assumption regards humans as rational and self-interested actors. In contrast, trust requires individuals to believe partners' benevolence and unselfishness. Thus, the homo economicus belief may inhibit trust. The present three experiments demonstrated that the direct exposure to homo economicus belief can weaken trust. And economic si...

The current financial and economic crisis is the worst since the stock-market crash of 1929. As with every complex phenomenon, a mixture of causes have been put forward: the housing-market bubble, risky mortgage loans, ‘toxic’ financial products, high personal and corporate debts, inaccurate credit ratings, and much more. The shockwaves have spread so rapidly and hit so hard that entire banking...