Interpersonal suspicion

The unwillingness to risk significant communication and creativity with others; lack of trust for people and events; being independent of others and acting from a position of scepticism, and pessimistic expectations.[Advantages]

A useful balance to gullibility and naivety. Stimulates questioning and thorough examination of presentations, models, reports and proposals. A useful "foil" in group discussion that draws out all the issues into the focus of the group.

[Disadvantages]

May develop into defensiveness and even paranoia. Tends towards structural rigidity, tight control systems, and the inhibition of uncertainty and change. There can be a tendency to protect against intimacy and personal challenge and growth using camoflage and masks. The unwillingness to risk can inhibit the conferencing process.