A MULTIFACETED PERSPECTIVE ON TRUST AMID STUDENTS: FROM THE INDIVIDUAL TO THE INSTITUTIONAL LEVEL
A MULTIFACETED PERSPECTIVE ON TRUST AMID STUDENTS: FROM THE INDIVIDUAL TO THE INSTITUTIONAL LEVEL

Summary/Abstract: Research background: Scholars used to equate trust and distrust with a person's statement of trust in the intentions and motivations of others. Other studies focused on trustor conduct based on favorable expectations about a trustee's course of action. Starting from these premises, the present article aims to discuss the role of awareness and the perception of trust among students, from a multifaceted perspective, namely from the individual (i.e., representatives) to the institutional level. There is a growing awareness of the crucial role that trust plays in every aspect of life. Whether we are talking about everyday life or considering the educational process or making decisions, trust is an essential concept for the success of any type of adapting process. Amid the pandemic crisis (Covid-19), trust (in the authorities, in the messages they sent, in specialists’ opinions, in the political leaders) has often made the difference between life and death. The trustor can rest assured that their expectations will be fulfilled based on confidence in the other party’s benevolence, honesty, openness, reliability, and competence. Also, in the post-truth period, trust seems to matter less and less. In this context, the citizen’s trust in public authorities and their own elected parliament is to a low level. Purpose of the article: The study aims to explore the role that trust has in the relationship with relatives and institutions. Methods: An online survey among the students from the University Center of Bacau, Romania (N=633) was conducted in November 2021. The survey aimed to highlight the role that trust plays in forming opinions among students about the relationship with colleagues, friends, and family, but also how this relates to various state authorities, such as: parliament, government, mass media, NGOs, health system, universities, specialists, army. Findings & Value added: The findings indicated that trust could be influenced by the gender. Furthermore, there is a significant link between people with a high level of trust in the institutions and in the representatives of the institutions.

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