The Long-term Impact of Displayed Self-monitoring and Emotional Intelligence on Perceptions of Trustworthiness
Wing Shing, Lee

Abstract
This paper investigates the impact of an individual’s displayed emotional intelligence and self-monitoring attributes on others’ perception of trustworthiness. We hypothesize that in the long-run highly emotionally intelligent individuals are likely to be perceived as trustworthy because of their demonstrated consistency in interactions. We also hypothesize that high self-monitors are likely to be perceived as untrustworthy due to their inconsistency and lack of commitments. Participants were asked to nominate a deeply known target person and to evaluate the latter in terms of trustworthiness, emotional intelligence and self-monitoring. Our results confirm our predictions. Moreover, the results also reveal that the feeling of liking mediates the relationship between emotional intelligence and trustworthiness. Nonetheless, it does not mediate the relationship between selfmonitoring and trustworthiness. Implications of the results are discussed.

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