The virus of distrust: How one victim‐sensitive group member can affect the entire group's outcomes

Victim sensitivity (VS) is a personality trait conceptualized as the expectation of being exploited by others. Previous research has shown that one highly victim-sensitive group member can negatively impact entire group's outcomes. In present research, we investigate boundary conditions and mechanisms underlying this effect. Study 1 (N = 134 individuals, 40 groups) shows VS score most predicts performance, particularly when collective conscientiousness high. 2 135 45 groups include (compared to no) perform worse, especially task perceived requiring mutual trust. 3 234) confirms expressing explicitly reduces cooperation within group. These findings suggest virus distrust spread quickly may have detrimental consequences for performance intragroup cooperation.