Trust and happiness are closely linked

A large international study on happiness has revealed that trust is a psychological trait common to all happy people. According to a study published by the American Psychological Association, the link between trust and well-being is proven and functions in both directions.

The study covers a wide range of data

The study, conducted by an international team of researchers, compiles nearly 1,000 results from studies involving over 2.5 million people, aged 6 to 84 years. It highlights a global phenomenon: in the studied countries (including the United States, China, and the United Kingdom), subjective quality of life strongly depends on the level of trust in others, society, and institutions.

Types of trust affect well-being

The concept of subjective well-being, measured by self-evaluation, encompasses both the emotions felt daily and the overall judgment of one's life. It differs from physical health or income. The researchers analyzed three forms of trust: interpersonal (in close relationships), institutional (in schools, justice, and administration), and generalized (in society). All were found to be closely linked to the well-being experienced.

Trust strengthens communities

Trust acts as a social cement. It facilitates relationships, strengthens communities, and eases internal tensions. According to the authors, this intimate link is largely explained by the central role of trust in building healthy relationships and durable bonds. When present from an early age, it promotes a sense of internal security that persists into adulthood.

Building trust requires effort

The authors emphasize that trust cannot be decreed. It is built in a climate of justice, transparency, and consistency. Families, schools, and governments all have a role to play in creating environments where people can trust each other. In a world where media can as much connect as manipulate, protecting public trust has become vital.

Trust as a lever for well-being

The results of this study invite broader reflection. If trust makes people happier, it could also become a lever for improving collective mental health, especially during periods of social or political crisis. For the researchers, the priority is clear: restoring trust is restoring well-being.