<p>Generalized trust is a necessary social foundation for maintaining human coexistence, yet it is unclear whether individuals’ perceived chronic stress affects their generalized trust in the post epidemic era. Based on the Risk Protective Factor Model and the Stress Response Model, this study used a moderated mediation model to explore the relationship between perceived chronic stress and generalized trust, as well as the mediating role of social support and the moderating role of positive coping styles. A sample of 561 Chinese university students (Mage = 19. 80, SD = 1. 30, 50. 4% males) completed the Perceived Stress Scale, the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Self-Report Questionnaire on Generalized Trust. Findings indicated that perceived chronic stress negatively predicted generalized trust, whereas perceived social support positively predicted generalized trust. Furthermore, perceived chronic stress had both a direct effect on generalized trust and an indirect effect mediated through perceived social support. Positive coping moderated the first half of the mediating pathway by which perceived chronic stress affected generalized trust through perceived social support. Perceived social support and positive coping were found to be important protective factors for the impact of perceived chronic stress on generalized trust, and positive coping can help individuals cope effectively with perceived chronic stress. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on the negative impact of perceived chronic stress on generalized trust in the post epidemic era, and this study also provides some implications for reducing individuals’ perceived chronic stress, as well as rebuilding and/or restoring their trust.</p>