Higher trust leads to greater happiness and life satisfaction

According to research published by the American Psychological Association, people with a higher level of trust, both other and institutions, report a higher level of subjective well -being, an important indicator of the quality of life and predictive health and longevity than people with a lower level of trust. The study also showed that well -being and trust are strengthened in time.

“Our findings show that trust plays a key role in how happy and satisfied people feel, in all age groups, especially for children, adolescents and older adults. Regardless of whether it is trust in others, in society or institutions, all types are important for well -being,” said Dr. Catrin FINKAenauer, Dr. Catrin FINKAENAUER, Dr Catrin.

Subjective well -being differs from other types of well -being, because it focuses on what people think about their lives, and not on external factors, such as physical health, wealth or education, and is generally measured using their own reports.

To better understand the relationship between trust and well -being, scientists conducted a meta -analysis of existing research, covering almost 1000 findings from research involving over 2.5 million participants aged 6 to 84 from around the world. The most frequently studied countries were the United States (43 research), China (37) and Great Britain (19). In research, it concerned three types of trust at the individual (interpersonal, institutional and generalized) level, as well as various well -being.

The well -being in our study is included in both emotional experiences, such as someone feels happy or sad, or whether he reports anxiety or depressive symptoms, as well as more reflective judgments, such as they generally feel satisfied with their lives. “

Dr. Marlies Maes, co -author, assistant professor, Utrecht University

A team of scientists found that people who trust more, regardless of whether they are trust in others, in institutions or in society, they felt happier and more satisfied with life than people who trust less.

Trust is glue that combines relationships, communities and society. Studies show that supporting, healthy relationships are the key to well -being and trust plays a key role in building and maintaining these connections. According to Finkenauer, this can help explain why people who trust others and institutions tend to report a higher level of well -being.

Several analyzed tests were longitudinal, enabling researchers to track time changes. They revealed a bright pattern: increased well -being, and people who felt better about their lives also became more trusting over time.

“In today’s world, in which the media can both connect and mislead, securing public trust is more important than ever,” said FinKenauer. “By promoting the ability to read and write in the media and introducing honest recipes, we take important steps to protect this trust.”

“But trust cannot be forced to earn it,” she said. “All families, schools and governments are responsible for creating environments in which people can rely on each other. When we build trust, we also support mental health and stronger communities.”