The role of trust in government in crisis management: Fear of COVID-19 and compliance with social distancing

Abstract

This study examines the mediating role of trust in government on the relationship between fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and compliance with social distancing. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 740 Jordanian citizens, and path analysis (SmartPLS 2.0) was conducted to analyze the data. Results show that fear of COVID-19 has a positive effect on both compliance with social distancing (t = 6.777, p =.000) and trust in government (t = 7.968, p =.000); trust in government has a positive effect on compliance with social distancing (t = 8.502, p =.000); and trust in government partially mediates the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and compliance with social distancing (Sobel test = 6.17, p =.000). The effect of fear of COVID-19 on compliance with social distancing, with trust in the government as a mediating variable, is greater than the direct effect without the mediating variable. Therefore, it is suggested that for social distancing measures imposed by the government on citizens to be effective, policymakers must work to enhance citizens' trust in the government and its measures aimed at curbing the outbreak of COVID-19. Limitations, implications, and suggestions for future research are discussed.