Why and How We Trust : A Systematic Review of the Role Played by Trust in Crisis, Risk, and Disaster Communication Studies in Eastern and Western Cultures

Trust is a crucial component of effective communication, particularly in the context of crisis, risk, and disaster situations. This study provides a systematic review of the role played by trust in crisis, risk, and disaster communication studies in both Western and Eastern cultures. A comprehensive search of communication literature was conducted to identify the key themes and patterns in the research on trust in the context of crisis, risk, and disaster communication. Specifically, this study examines the factors that influence trust development and the consequences of trust in crisis, risk, and disaster communication. It particularly provides cross-cultural comparisons of trust patterns in Western and Eastern societies. Our analysis reveals that trust is a fundamental aspect of effective communication across cultures, but there are significant cultural differences in how trust is perceived and enacted. The findings of this review provide insights into the complex role of trust in crisis, risk, and disaster communication and offer directions for future research in these areas.