Divergent thinking is a core aspect of creative cognition and has been linked to interpersonal trust. It is also considered to be sensitive to temporary cognitive states, including those associated with entropy and visual complexity. 

The present study examined whether visual entropy influences interpersonal trust indirectly through divergent thinking. It was hypothesized that higher visual entropy would enhance originality on the Alternative Uses Task (AUT), that higher originality would predict greater interpersonal trust scores on the Trust Scale, and that divergent thinking would mediate the relationship between visual entropy and interpersonal trust. Visual complexity was manipulated by presenting either high- or low-entropy background images on a computer screen. Using a between-subjects design, participants completed the AUT while viewing the entropic background and subsequently completed the Trust Scale. The final sample consisted of 98 participants. 

Results revealed that the entropic background did not significantly affect divergent thinking, although English proficiency was associated with originality. Divergent thinking did not significantly predict interpersonal trust, and the hypothesized indirect effect was not detected. However, entropy showed a direct negative association with interpersonal trust. This indicates a possible alternative mechanism through visually complex environments may reduce trust, particularly toward outgroup members.