Trust in Institutions impacting distress symptoms in times of Covid-19: the Brazilian Case

Juliano Domingues Silva; Maurício Reinert do Nascimento; Fabiane Cortez Verdu; Claudia Cristina Macceo Sato

Authors

Juliano Domingues Silva Universidade Estadual de Maringá
Maurício Reinert do Nascimento Universidade Estadual de Maringá
Fabiane Cortez Verdu Universidade Estadual de Maringá
Claudia Cristina Macceo Sato Universidade Federal de Roraima

Keywords:

Trust, Institutions, Distress Symptoms, Covid-19

Abstract

This paper provides a retrospective analysis of the impact of trust in institutions in Brazil during the initial wave of Covid-19 on distress symptoms. Capturing data from 571 respondents across all five Brazilian regions during the crucial period of April-May 2021, the study examines the relationship between institutional trust and public health outcomes at the pandemic's onset. Our findings reveal four distinct trust-based groups, reflecting the multifaceted nature of trust amidst the political and misinformation crisis of the time. Notably, our data contradicts the expected norm: the group with the lowest trust in institutions reported fewer distress symptoms, a paradox possibly rooted in a negationist attitude linked to anti-establishment sentiments and the misinformation crisis. In a contemporary context, this study provides historical insights into the dynamics of the pandemic's early days and also offers a reflection point for understanding the long-term implications of institutional trust on public health, especially in times of crisis.

Author Biography

Juliano Domingues Silva, Universidade Estadual de Maringá

Professor Adjunto do Departamento de Administração da Universidade Estadual de Maringá

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