Trust in adolescence and depression and anxiety symptoms in young adulthood: findings from a Swedish cohort

Trust and health are both fundamental elements of a socially sustainable society. While much research has shown that trust is associated with better mental health outcomes in adults, studies of young people are relatively scarce, despite the fact that mental health problems are common in young ages. In particular, there are few longitudinal studies that cover different dimensions of trust. Building on a previous study on trust and psychosomatic complaints in adolescents, the aim was to examine the links between generalised and institutional trust in adolescence and depression and anxiety symptoms in young adulthood. Data was obtained from a Swedish cohort study with self-reported information on generalised and institutional trust at ages 15–16 and 17–18 and depression and anxiety symptoms at age 20–21 (n = 2,668). Covariates included sociodemographic characteristics and indicators of prior mental health status.

Binary logistic and linear regressions showed that higher levels of generalised trust at ages 15–16 and 17–18 were inversely associated with depression and anxiety symptoms at age 20–21. Institutional trust was however not linked with subsequent depression and anxiety symptoms when adjusting for generalised trust and covariates. The findings indicate that generalised trust is a social determinant for mental health in young people.