Dimensionality of the Rotter Interpersonal Trust Scale

Abstract

The Rotter Interpersonal Trust Scale was interspersed in a larger questionnaire completed by 187 paid undergraduates. Its dimensionality was investigated through cluster analysis and orthogonal and oblique rotations following a principal axis factor solution. Four dimensions, designated “Political Cynicism,” “Interpersonal Exploitation,” “Societal Hypocrisy,” and “Reliable Role-performance” were identifiable across techniques. This finding of multi-dimensionality underscores the incongruence between Rotter's definition and his measure of interpersonal trust. Studies supporting the multidimensional interpretation are discussed. Scoring these four dimensions in addition to the total scale is recommended. A short form of the scale consisting of the three marker items for each dimension is proposed. This short form is efficient, and it retains the dimensionality of the total scale.