Understanding Contextual Variations in the Trust–Well-Being Nexus: An Examination of Social Mechanisms in Austria and Hungary

This study analyzes ESS Wave 11 data using PLS-SEM to assess how generalized trust shapes subjective well-being in Austria and Hungary through two mediators: social life (social contacts, participation) and solidarity/helpfulness (value-based prosocial orientations). In Austria, trust significantly predicts both mediators, which transmit its positive effects on well-being. In Hungary, trust relates only to social life, while solidarity shows no connection. Overall, results reveal strong context-specific differences in the trust–well-being relationship.