What attitude is characterized by distrust of others' motives?

The attitude characterized by distrust of others' motives is cynicism. When someone exhibits cynicism, they tend to view the actions and intentions of others with skepticism, often assuming that people are motivated by self-interest rather than genuine concern or goodwill. This worldview suggests a general belief that people are fundamentally insincere or that their actions have ulterior motives.

Cynicism can emerge from past experiences where individuals have felt betrayed or disappointed, leading them to adopt a defensive posture regarding interpersonal relationships. In a professional setting, such as law enforcement, this attitude can be particularly concerning as it may impact how officers interact with the community and their colleagues, potentially eroding trust and collaboration.

While optimism reflects a hopeful and positive outlook, empathy signifies an understanding and sharing of others' feelings, and friendliness denotes a positive and kind attitude towards others, none of these convey the sense of skepticism and distrust inherent in cynicism.