Perceived coronavirus health risk associated with students’ life satisfaction: the role of trust in government policies

Risco de saúde percebido do coronavírus associado à satisfação de vida dos estudantes: o papel da confiança nas políticas governamentais

Abstract

This study investigates whether trust in government policies has a mediation effect between the students’ perception of COVID-19 health risk and their life satisfaction. In order to test the mediation effect, this study utilizes data collected from undergraduate students at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico by means of online survey. The survey yielded 95 usable data out of 97. The valid results were tested via generalized linear model (GLM) Mediation approach for the mediation. Empirical findings of Delta method affirm the mediation (estimate = 0.4445, β = 0.474, z = 3.699, p < .001) role of trust in government as a mediator between students’ perception of COVID-19 health risk and their life satisfaction. In other words, Mexican undergraduate students are of the view that trusting government plays a crucial role as a mediator between their perception of coronavirus health risk and life satisfaction. These findings may guide the governments’ policy making efforts and motivate them to support their initiatives with trust-building efforts.

Key words:
COVID-19; Educational innovation; Health risk; Higher education; Life satisfaction; Trust in government policies