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Enhancing Institutional Trust: Evidence from an Experimental Study with Adolescents in Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Elena Sestini

    (University of Siena)

  • Alessio Muscillo

    (Universitas Mercatorum)

  • Gabriele Lombardi

    (University of Florence)

  • Francesca Garbin

    (Charles River Associates)

  • Paolo Pin

    (University of Siena
    Bocconi University)

Abstract

This study presents a quantitative analysis of a randomized survey experiment with Italian high school students (N = 1,433). It aims to evaluate trust levels in various institutions-healthcare, education, politics, judiciary, and defense-and identify determinants influencing trust in the scientific field, particularly regarding health issues. Using experimental scenarios, potential causal relationships among factors influencing confidence and trust scores are explored. Three distinct experimental scenarios are included in the survey: the first examines the influence of various social media platforms, the second and the third evaluate the impact of doctors, parents, and friends on trust-building among young individuals. Our results indicate a high level of trust in science among adolescents and emphasize high confidence in scientific experts. The study provides policy insights aimed at fostering trust, including recommendations for investments in education, increased involvement of specialists in direct communication, and enhanced transparency measures to mitigate misinformation.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Sestini & Alessio Muscillo & Gabriele Lombardi & Francesca Garbin & Paolo Pin, 2025. "Enhancing Institutional Trust: Evidence from an Experimental Study with Adolescents in Italy," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 177(2), pages 449-488, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:177:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s11205-024-03507-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-024-03507-4
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