# Is Interpersonal Trust or Institutional Trust More Strongly Associated with Subjective Well-Being than Mental Health Among Financially Insecure U.S. Southern Households?

## TL;DR

This study explores how trust and mental health affect well-being in financially insecure households in the U.S. South.

## Contribution

It compares the relative strength of interpersonal and institutional trust versus mental health in predicting well-being.

## Key findings

- Institutional trust showed the strongest link to well-being, followed closely by mental health and interpersonal trust.
- Age, income, and health insurance were also independently associated with subjective well-being.
- Trust-building practices and mental health support are recommended for improving well-being in vulnerable populations.

## Abstract

Background: Subjective well-being (SWB) is an important outcome in healthcare. Identifying correlates of SWB among economically vulnerable populations can inform healthcare delivery and policy decisions. Objective: This study examines whether social capital is more strongly associated with evaluative SWB than mental health among financially insecure households in the U.S. South. Methods: Data were drawn from the SR-Stat Baseline Survey 2024. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relative associations of interpersonal trust, institutional trust, and mental health with evaluative SWB, while controlling for socioeconomic-demographic characteristics. Results: Interpersonal trust, institutional trust, and mental health were each significantly associated with evaluative SWB. Institutional trust exhibited the largest standardized association, followed closely by mental health and interpersonal trust, with differences in magnitude remaining modest across variables. Several control variables, particularly age, income, and health insurance coverage, were also independently associated with SWB. Healthcare systems and policymakers may benefit from incorporating trust-building practices, such as transparent communication and equitable service delivery, alongside mental health screening and support, to address multiple dimensions of well-being in economically vulnerable populations. Conclusions: Evaluative SWB among financially insecure households is associated with mental health and trust-based social capital at both interpersonal and institutional levels. These findings highlight the importance of addressing individual functioning and broader institutional contexts when designing interventions aimed at improving well-being.