Substance use stigma reduces trust and informational support: experimental evidence across risk and relationship contexts.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study investigates the impact of addiction history on interpersonal trust and access to social support. Specifically, it explores whether people exhibit decreased trust toward individuals with addiction histories, explores the extent to which positive portrayals can mitigate such distrust, and evaluates whether those with addiction histories receive reduced social support from their closest social networks, including friends and family.

Methods

Two complementary studies were conducted. Study 1 employed hypothetical scenarios to assess trust in both property-related and personal risk situations and examined whether counter-stereotypical information could reduce distrust. Study 2 used vignettes depicting individuals seeking assistance in differing relational co

SUBMITTER: Flores Martinez I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12763934 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature