Work

Does Political Trust Foster or Hinder Volunteering? A Longitudinal Investigation in the United Kingdom

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Volunteering plays a growing role in supporting community resilience in times of crisis. This paper takes a closer look at the role of political trust for volunteering, distinguishing between trust in local and national government. We conduct secondary analysis of a large-scale longitudinal social survey in the United Kingdom (three timepoints, N = 5,039), to estimate a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model to assess the relationships between political trust and volunteering over time. Results reveal a positive link at the between-person level between volunteering and local but not national trust (random intercepts). At the within-person level (cross-lagged paths), an increase in local trust is related to a greater likelihood of volunteering 3 months later. Moreover, an increase in national trust is related to a lower likelihood of volunteering. We highlight implications for initiatives to promote civic engagement.

Source: Social Psychological and Personality Science

DOI: 10.1177/19485506251411575

Authors: Fanny Lalot, Dominic Abrams

Institutions: University of Basel, University of Kent

Language: English

Topic: Nonprofit Sector and Volunteering

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900