Well-Being and Its Relationship with Emotional Climate, Perception of Social Problems, and Institutional Trust

Abstract

From a psychosocial perspective, the perception of the social context plays a fundamental role in well-being. It is not only important how individuals value their relationships, but also how they interpret broader factors that influence their connection with the environment. This study analyzes the relationship between well-being and social variables such as perceived social problems, emotional climate, and institutional trust. The sample was intentional and included 243 Argentine participants between the ages of 18 and 78. While the results indicate satisfactory levels of well-being, participants reported a high number of social problems, perceived the emotional climate negatively, and expressed low levels of institutional trust. Regarding gender, women reported lower life satisfaction and perceived a more negative emotional climate. In terms of age, older adults showed higher levels of both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being compared to younger participants. Overall, well-being was positively associated with a positive emotional climate and greater institutional trust. Conversely, lower well-being was linked to higher negative affect. In addition, a high perception of social problems was related to lower social well-being. People who feel part of their community, hold positive attitudes toward others, and are optimistic about the social future tend to experience a more positive emotional climate. In contrast, a negative emotional climate was associated with lower institutional trust and a higher perception of social problems.