Mental health and social trust: Age and religiosity as moderators among young people in Croatia and Slovenia

Abstract

This study explored the moderating effects of age and religiosity on the relationship between social trust and mental health among young people aged 16–29 in Croatia (N = 1,177) and Slovenia (N = 1,227). Mental health was evaluated using two distinct measures: the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-9). Social trust was assessed as trust in close family members and generalised trust. Religiosity was measured by religious service attendance, the importance of God in daily life, and support received from religious organisations. The findings indicate that age moderates the relationship between trust in close family members and BAT in both countries, and the relationship between trust in close family and DASS in Croatia. In terms of religiosity, all three dimensions significantly moderated the relationship between generalised trust and DASS in Croatia, while only one of them did so when BAT was used as the dependent variable. No significant moderation effects of religiosity were found in Slovenia. In summary, the results suggest that the negative psychological impact of low social trust can be mitigated through various mechanisms. The moderating effect of age implies that psychosocial maturation during adolescence may buffer the impact of low trust in close family on mental health. Religiosity, on the other hand, may act as an emotional substitute for generalised trust, especially in highly religious contexts. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of the chosen mental health indicator, as moderating effects varied depending on whether BAT or DASS-9 was applied.