The role of interpersonal trust and personality in the link between sense of community and well‑being

Abstract

Abstract A strong sense of community (SoC) and interpersonal trust are important social factors that contribute to well-being, but its mechanism remains understudied. This study examined how SoC influences life satisfaction and subjective happiness through interpersonal trust, and how interpersonal exploitation and cynicism moderates this association. A sample of 730 participants (60.8% male; Mean age = 22.13, SD = 3.66) completed measures of SoC, interpersonal trust, life satisfaction, happiness and Machiavellianism. Results showed that SoC was positively associated with interpersonal trust, life satisfaction, and happiness. Interpersonal trust significantly mediated the relationship between SoC and life satisfaction, indicating its role as a key psychological resource. Moreover, the association between SoC and life satisfaction was stronger among individuals with lower levels of interpersonal cynicism and exploitation, suggesting that certain personality traits moderate this relationship. These findings highlight the importance of fostering strong community ties and interpersonal trust to enhance well-being, especially in interdependent cultural settings such as Africa.