HOW LACK OF TRUST AFFECTS SOCIETY
The fact that most Americans distrust government basically means they don’t trust politicians — especially at the federal level. Here are some ways that distrust manifests in voters:

• Decreased political participation: When people don’t trust the government, they are more likely to disengage from the political system, for example by abstaining from voting or not standing for political office.
• Difficulty solving problems: Low trust makes it harder for the government to solve many of the country’s problems. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of Americans believe that low trust in the federal government makes it more difficult to address key issues.
• Reduced compliance with rules and laws: Low trust can lead to people ignoring official information and guidance, and failing to comply with important collective obligations.
• Support for anti-system parties: Lack of trust may increase support for anti-establishment or populist political parties that promise to radically change the system.
• Demands for political reform: Low trust often leads to calls for reforming political institutions and processes.
• Decreased legitimacy: When citizens become distrustful, the government finds it difficult to command legitimacy and respect.
• Resource mobilization challenges: Low trust makes it harder for the government to mobilize resources needed to govern effectively.
• Increased polarization: Intense political polarization, driven by ideological voices on social media, can make it difficult to pass legislation and address major problems.
• Acceptance of misinformation: In low-trust environments, people may be more susceptible to misinformation and conspiracy theories.
• Economic impacts: Declining trust can negatively affect economic progress by shortening planning horizons and reducing cooperation.
• Social cohesion issues: Widespread distrust can damage social cohesion and lead to more disruptive or even violent actions by citizens.
• Challenges in crisis response: Lack of trust may hamper the government’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies and crises.

In summary, lack of trust in government and politicians has real-time, far-reaching, negative consequences:

• Political instability
• Weak, ineffective government
• Distrust in institutions
• Malfeasance and dysfunction in government
• Social and economic division
• Mental health deterioration
• Radicalized political and social activism
• Violence and rebellion
• Rise of conspiracy theories, lies and misinformation
• Existential fears that country is moving in the wrong direction

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Anyone who pays attention to media of any kind knows that these indicators of lack of trust exist in America today. A poll by the Pew Research Center about “Trust and Distrust in America” reveals what most Americans know all too well. At one level of analysis, the poll is a report card on how well politicians do the job of governing. But more than that, it is a report card on voters’ lack of wisdom in choosing elected leaders that are trustworthy. Voters and politicians are both failing miserably.

The consequences of voters’ failure to exercise their civic responsibility to choose politicians with good character are startingly evident in the negative impacts on mental health and overall well-being that distrust generates:

Depression and Anxiety: Individuals with low levels of trust are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety such as:

• • Increased feelings of loneliness and isolation
  • Heightened stress and worry about relationships
  • Negative thought patterns and expectations

Relationship Difficulties: Trust issues can severely impact a person’s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. This can manifest as:

• • Difficulty being vulnerable or emotionally intimate with others
  • Constant suspicion of partners’ motives or actions
  • Jealous behaviors and excessive “fact-checking”

The resulting relationship instability and lack of social support can further compound mental health challenges.

Reduced Life Satisfaction: Low interpersonal trust is associated with lower overall life satisfaction and subjective well-being. People who struggle to trust others may:

• • Have smaller social networks
  • Experience less fulfillment from relationships
  • Feel less secure in their daily lives

Increased Mental Distress: Studies have found that low trust in others is a risk factor for frequent mental distress. This can lead to:

• • Higher levels of perceived stress
  • More days feeling mentally unwell
  • Greater difficulty coping with life challenges

Potential for Mental Disorders: While trust issues alone do not constitute a mental illness, severe lack of trust can be associated with or exacerbate certain mental health conditions, including:

• • Attachment disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Psychotic disorders with paranoid features

Physiological Effects: Chronic distrust can trigger the body’s stress response, potentially leading to:

• • • Sleep disturbances
    • Weakened immune function
    • Increased risk of physical health issues

Mental Health America conducted a study of mental health in America. Here are the key findings:

• • • Political polarization and partisan gridlock
    • Gun violence and crime
    • Drug addiction
    • Mental health crisis
    • Racism and social inequality
    • Healthcare affordability and access

The common elements of these problems are distrust, anxiety and fear. Psychologists for Social Change explains the relationship between distrust and fear this way:

This analysis makes a powerful argument for electing trustworthy politicians with good character.