Trust in Institutions impacting distress symptoms in times of Covid-19: the Brazilian Case

This paper provides a retrospective analysis of the impact of trust in institutions in Brazil during the initial wave of Covid-19 on distress symptoms. Capturing data from 571 respondents across all five Brazilian regions during the crucial period of April-May 2021, the study examines the relationship between institutional trust and public health outcomes at the pandemic's onset. Our findings reveal four distinct trust-based groups, reflecting the multifaceted nature of trust amidst the political and misinformation crisis of the time. Notably, our data contradicts the expected norm: the group with the lowest trust in institutions reported fewer distress symptoms, a paradox possibly rooted in a negationist attitude linked to anti-establishment sentiments and the misinformation crisis. In a contemporary context, this study provides historical insights into the dynamics of the pandemic's early days and also offers a reflection point for understanding the long-term implications of institutional trust on public health, especially in times of crisis.