Quote from Alex bobby on June 13, 2025, 6:32 AM

Want to Live a Long and Happy Life? Try Trusting Friends, Strangers, and Government, New Study Says

In a world that often feels plagued by mistrust—of institutions, of politicians, and even of neighbours—a new study offers a powerful counterpoint: building trust might be the key to living a longer, happier life.

Published in the Psychological Bulletin, the study suggests that people who exhibit high levels of trust—whether in their personal relationships, societal institutions, or even strangers—tend to report significantly greater well-being. That well-being, in turn, is closely associated with better mental health, a stronger sense of life satisfaction, and even physical longevity.

Trust as a Universal Ingredient for Well-Being

The research, led by Professor Catrin Finkenauer of Utrecht University in the Netherlands, is one of the most extensive analyses of its kind. Drawing data from over 2.5 million people across the globe, the study highlights a universal truth: trust, in all its forms, matters deeply to human happiness.

The researchers examined three distinct types of trust:

1. Interpersonal trust – Trust between individuals who know each other, such as friends, family, and colleagues.
2. Institutional trust – Trust in systems and organisations, like governments, banks, schools, and health care systems.
3. Social trust – A more general belief that most people are “honest, reliable, and benevolent,” even if they are strangers.

What they found is that each of these types of trust correlates strongly with higher levels of well-being. In short, people who believe in the goodness and reliability of others tend to feel better about their own lives.

Why Trust Matters More Than We Realise

Well-being is more than just fleeting happiness or feeling good in the moment. It encompasses overall life satisfaction, emotional stability, a sense of purpose, and mental resilience. All of these traits contribute to how we handle stress, maintain relationships, and even fight off illness.

While it's hard to say definitively whether well-being causes longer lifespans, numerous studies suggest a strong link. A 2021 analysis from the UK’s Ministry of Health, for example, found that people with higher well-being may live between four and ten years longer. That’s a substantial difference, and one that public health experts are taking increasingly seriously.

Trust, as it turns out, may be a vital piece of that well-being puzzle. “Whether it’s trust in others, in society, or in institutions, all types matter for well-being,” Finkenauer said.

And there’s more: trust and well-being seem to reinforce each other. In other words, the more we trust, the happier we become—and the happier we are, the more we may be inclined to trust.

For Children and Older Adults, Trust Matters Even More

One of the study’s more surprising findings is that the impact of trust on well-being is particularly strong at the bookends of life: childhood, adolescence, and older adulthood. That makes sense when you think about how formative those life stages are.

For children and teenagers, trust helps shape their worldview and sense of safety. Being able to trust their parents, teachers, and peers gives them a stronger emotional foundation and a more positive outlook on the future.

For older adults, trust in their caregivers, community, and government can significantly affect their quality of life—especially as they rely more on health and social systems.

That makes the promotion of trust not just a personal virtue, but a public health issue. Schools, families, and governments, according to Finkenauer, all have a role to play in creating trustworthy and supportive environments.

Not Everyone Benefits Equally

However, the study also highlights a troubling caveat: trust is not distributed equally. A 2023 study across 38 European countries found that racial and ethnic minorities tend to report significantly lower levels of trust—in institutions, in strangers, and even in their own communities. This trust gap can lead to greater dissatisfaction and poorer well-being.

But the same study also offered hope. When trust is nurtured and encouraged—through inclusive policies, community-building, and responsive governance—minorities also report improved well-being. In other words, trust can help narrow well-being disparities across different social groups.

“Trust can’t be forced—it has to be earned,” Finkenauer emphasised. That means transparent governance, accountable institutions, and inclusive communities are not just political ideals—they are foundational to public health and happiness.

Building a Culture of Trust

So how can societies begin to foster more trust?

At the individual level, it begins with small acts: listening with empathy, following through on promises, and offering kindness even to strangers. At the societal level, it means investing in trustworthy institutions—schools that are fair, police that are just, and governments that are transparent.

For families, it’s about creating a home environment where children feel secure and valued. For policymakers, it’s about showing up for communities consistently and without bias. For media and civil society, it means promoting dialogue over division.

The ripple effect of trust can be profound. As Finkenauer put it: “When we build trust, we also support mental health and stronger communities.”

Final Thoughts

In an era of increasing polarisation and skepticism, it might seem naïve to place so much faith in trust. But this study suggests it’s not naïve at all—it’s necessary. Trust isn’t just good for the soul. It’s good for society, for health, and for happiness.

Want to live longer, be happier, and feel more fulfilled? Start by extending trust—to your friends, your neighbours, your institutions, and even the strangers you pass on the street. Because in the end, trust just might be the most powerful investment you can make.

Conclusion

The new research underscores a simple yet profound truth: trust is not just a moral virtue, but a cornerstone of human happiness and longevity. Whether it’s trust in loved ones, institutions, or society at large, the ability to believe in the good intentions of others can significantly boost our well-being, improve mental health, and even extend our lives.

While not everyone benefits equally—especially in communities where trust has been historically broken—this gap highlights the importance of fostering environments where trust can grow. From families and schools to governments and media, building and maintaining trust is a collective responsibility with enormous personal and societal rewards.

In a world that often seems fractured and cynical, choosing to trust may feel risky—but according to the science, it could also be the secret to a longer, happier, and more connected life.