1
|
Mashima Y, Kawate M, Wu Y, Shinohara Y, Hoshino R, Takaoka S, Tanaka C, Tokita M, Shimazu A, Wakaizumi K. Germ aversion is a risk factor for chronic low back pain and shoulder pain under the COVID-19 pandemic: an internet-based panel study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:19196. [PMID: 39160256 PMCID: PMC11333631 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70452-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased germ aversion, an aversive affective response to a high likelihood of pathogen transmission. While psychological factors are associated with chronic pain, the relationship between germ aversion and chronic pain remains unexplored. This study aimed to examine the relationship between germ aversion and new-onset and prognosis of chronic pain using longitudinal data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted web-based surveys of full-time workers at baseline and after three months. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, psychological factors, and chronic pain. Germ aversion was assessed using a modified Perceived Vulnerability to Disease scale. We analyzed responses from 1265 panelists who completed the survey twice. The prevalence of chronic low back pain (CLBP) and chronic neck and shoulder pain (CNSP) was associated with sex, short sleep duration, psychological distress, loneliness, and germ aversion. Stratified analyses showed that germ aversion was a risk factor for CLBP at three months in both individuals with and without CLBP at baseline, and for CNSP at three months in those with CNSP at baseline, even after adjustment for confounders. In conclusion, this preliminary study suggests that high germ aversion is a risk factor for CLBP and CNSP in young and middle-aged workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Mashima
- Interdisciplinary Pain Center, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Morihiko Kawate
- Interdisciplinary Pain Center, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yihuan Wu
- Interdisciplinary Pain Center, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuta Shinohara
- Interdisciplinary Pain Center, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Reiko Hoshino
- Interdisciplinary Pain Center, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saki Takaoka
- Interdisciplinary Pain Center, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chisato Tanaka
- Interdisciplinary Pain Center, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahito Tokita
- Keio Research Institute at SFC, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akihito Shimazu
- Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kenta Wakaizumi
- Interdisciplinary Pain Center, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Konishi N, Kimura M, Takeda Y. Prosociality predicts changes in leisure activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1320885. [PMID: 38476389 PMCID: PMC10927729 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1320885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Several studies suggest that leisure activities enhance well-being. In line with this perspective, a recent study indicates that augmenting indoor leisure activities to compensate for diminished outdoor pursuits could sustain or enhance well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study was designed to identify personality traits that predict such behavioral shifts in indoor versus outdoor leisure activities during the pandemic. The present study included 657 participants (Mage = 41.08) and measured 12 personality traits that a previous study reported were associated with health-protective behaviors during COVID-19. Our findings indicate that the rise in indoor leisure activities correlated with prosocial tendencies toward family and friends/acquaintances (but not strangers), self-centered interest, resilience, and Big Five personality traits. Conversely, the decline in outdoor activities was linked solely to prosociality toward family and friends/acquaintances. Further interaction analysis uncovered that prosocial tendencies toward close relations predicted increased indoor activities as an alternative to outdoor engagements. We concluded that prosociality promoted behavioral changes that significantly prevented infections in intimate others, and it could maintain personal well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic by facilitating behavior change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Konishi
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yagihashi M, Murakami M, Kato M, Yamamura A, Miura A, Hirai K. Exploratory study to characterise the individual types of health literacy and beliefs and their associations with infection prevention behaviours amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: a longitudinal study. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16905. [PMID: 38406277 PMCID: PMC10894591 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background During a global infectious disease pandemic such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), individuals' infection prevention/risk-taking behaviours are likely to differ depending on their health literacy and beliefs regarding the disease. To effectively promote infection prevention behaviours, it is necessary to enable information dissemination and risk communication that consider individuals' health literacy and beliefs. In this study, we exploratorily characterised segments based on individual health literacy and beliefs regarding COVID-19 among the Japanese during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, and investigated whether infection prevention/risk-taking behaviours and fear of COVID-19 differed among these segments. Methods In this study, we conducted two web-based longitudinal surveys in Japan (PHASE 1, 1-30 November 2020, 6,000 participants; PHASE 2, 1-31 December 2020, 3,800 participants). We characterised segments of the target population using cluster analysis on health literacy and beliefs regarding COVID-19 obtained in PHASE 1. We further investigated the associations between the clusters and infection prevention/risk-taking behaviours and fear of COVID-19, obtained from PHASE 2. Results Five clusters were identified: 'Calm/hoax denial', 'Hoax affinity/threat denial', 'Minority/indifference', 'Over vigilance', and 'Optimism'. There were significant differences in infection prevention/risk-taking behaviours and fear of COVID-19 among the five clusters. The belief in susceptibility to infection, rather than affinity for hoaxes and conspiracy theories, was coherently associated with infection prevention/risk-taking behaviours and fear of infection across clusters. This study provides foundational knowledge for creating segment-specific public messages and developing interactive risk communication to encourage infection prevention behaviours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mao Yagihashi
- Division of Scientific Information and Public Policy, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Michio Murakami
- Division of Scientific Information and Public Policy, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mai Kato
- Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Asayo Yamamura
- Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Asako Miura
- Division of Scientific Information and Public Policy, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kei Hirai
- Division of Scientific Information and Public Policy, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kase T, Ueno Y, Endo S. Association of sense of coherence and resilience with distress and infection prevention behaviors during the coronavirus disease pandemic. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 43:1-10. [PMID: 36819752 PMCID: PMC9916494 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04359-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study investigated the relationships between the sense of coherence (SOC) and resilience and between distress and infection prevention behaviors during the early phase of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The study recruited 1,484 participants (male: 686, female: 798; mean age = 45.1 years, SD = 8.3 years) to complete the SOC-L9 scale, the Adolescent Resilience Scale, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and the measurement scale of practices of infection prevention behaviors against COVID-19, originally developed by the study in addition to other control variables. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis demonstrated that greater SOC was associated with less distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, even after resilience was controlled for. Additionally, logistic regression analysis revealed that greater resilience was associated with the majority of greater COVID-19 related infection prevention behaviors (IPBs). These results suggest that SOC and resilience were related to degree of distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, such that those with higher resilience tended to engage in IPB. Furthermore, differences in the association of both factors with distress and IPB may indicate a few points of discrimination between SOC and resilience, which include similar concepts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takayoshi Kase
- College of Psychological Sciences, University of Human Environments, 9–12, Dogohimata, Matsuyama-shi, Ehime 790–0825 Japan
| | - Yuki Ueno
- The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kamatani M, Miyazaki Y, Kawahara JI. Occlusion of faces by sanitary masks improves facial attractiveness of other races. Front Psychol 2023; 13:953389. [PMID: 36710777 PMCID: PMC9878602 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.953389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies provide mixed results regarding whether the perception of facial attractiveness is increased or decreased by partial occlusion with a sanitary mask. One set of studies demonstrated that occluding the bottom half of a face increased facial attractiveness. This effect is thought to occur because the occluded area is interpolated by an average facial representation that is perceived as attractive. However, several groups of studies showed that partial occlusion can increase or decrease perceived attractiveness depending on the attractiveness of the original (unoccluded) face, due to regression to the mean. To reconcile this inconsistency, we propose that the occluded area is interpolated not by an average facial representation, but by a template of moderate attractiveness, shaped by the distribution of each viewer's experience. This hypothesis predicts an interaction between occlusion and the attractiveness of the original face so that occluded attractive faces are rated as less attractive, while occluded unattractive faces are rated as more attractive. To examine this hypothesis, the present study used attractiveness-rating tasks with mask-free versus masked faces in own-race and other-races categories. Viewers were familiar with own-race faces and unfamiliar with other-races faces. If moderate-attractiveness interpolation were the explanatory factor, the interaction between the occlusion and the attractiveness of the original face should be found only in the rating of own-race faces. Consistent with this hypothesis, the interaction between the occlusion and the attractiveness of the original faces was significant only for the own-race faces. Specifically, wearing a sanitary mask decreased the facial attractiveness of attractive faces in the own-race, while it increased the attractiveness regardless of the level of facial attractiveness in other-races. These findings suggest that the occluded area of own-race faces is interpolated by a facial template of moderate attractiveness. The other-races template could be developed using familiar exemplars such as celebrities. Thus, interpolation by such a template should result in elevated attractiveness relative to that by an own-race template. Accordingly, the apparent inconsistency in the literature regarding the effect of partial occlusion on physical attractiveness can be explained in terms of differences in the template involving interpolation of the occluded area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miki Kamatani
- Faculty of Humanities and Human Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan,*Correspondence: Miki Kamatani, ✉
| | - Yuki Miyazaki
- Department of Psychology, Fukuyama University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Jun I. Kawahara
- Faculty of Humanities and Human Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan,Jun I. Kawahara, ✉
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shimizu Y, Hashimoto T, Karasawa K. Relationship between Disease Avoidance and Attitudes toward Older People. ADVANCES IN GERONTOLOGY 2022. [PMCID: PMC9464494 DOI: 10.1134/s2079057022030110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Negative attitudes toward older people persist, leading to the neglect and marginalization of older adults’ will. The social group of older people is often perceived as being overly associated with disease, and disease avoidance is related to negative attitudes. Meanwhile, people with higher disease avoidance tend to avoid others, not just older adults. Therefore, whether disease avoidance and attitudes toward older people have a significant relationship should be examined, even after controlling for attitudes toward general others (i.e., younger people) and other personality determinants of social interactions (i.e., extroversion, general trust). We conducted an online survey of Japanese participants (n = 962). The results showed that the relationship between higher disease avoidance and ageist attitudes was significant, even after controlling for the above variables. Psychological interventions that weaken the cognitive link between older adults and disease would effectively reduce ageism. The limitations and future directions of this study are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y. Shimizu
- The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, 113-0033 Tokyo, Japan
| | - T. Hashimoto
- Toyo University, Bunkyo-ku, 112-8606 Tokyo, Japan
| | - K. Karasawa
- The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, 113-0033 Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nakanishi M, Sakai M, Takagi G, Toshi K, Wakashima K, Yoshii H. The Association Between COVID-19 Information Sources and Stigma Against Health Care Workers Among College Students: Cross-sectional, Observational Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e35806. [PMID: 35797105 PMCID: PMC9273044 DOI: 10.2196/35806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered stigmatic attitudes against health care workers. Some forms of social media may play a role in disseminating stigmatizing messages. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the association between COVID-19 information sources and stigma against health care workers among college students during the pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted using a web-based platform in the Tohoku region of Japan. College students aged ≥20 years were asked to complete the questionnaire between August 18 and October 31, 2020. Stigma against health care workers was evaluated using a modified Japanese version of the Social Distance Scale. Participants were also asked to rate their perceived vulnerability to infection using the Japanese version of the Perceived Vulnerability to Disease scale. RESULTS A total of 281 students from 8 colleges completed the web-based survey. There were 139 (49.5%) participants who used Twitter, 187 (66.5%) who used news websites, and 46 (16.4%) who used the websites of public health agencies as COVID-19 information sources. After adjusting for age, sex, department, and Perceived Vulnerability to Disease scores, the level of stigma did not differ between students who used Twitter and those who did not. Students who used the websites of public health agencies showed a significantly less stigmatic attitude than those who did not. CONCLUSIONS Fact-checking and directing visitors to credible information sources from public health agencies may have prevented the formation of stigmatic attitudes toward health care workers. An effective strategy to enable easy access to information provided by public agencies should be integrated into widespread web-based platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miharu Nakanishi
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai-shi, Japan
- Research Center for Social Science & Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Japan
| | - Mai Sakai
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai-shi, Japan
| | - Gen Takagi
- Department of Welfare Psychology, Faculty of General Welfare, Tohoku Fukushi University, Sendai-shi, Japan
| | - Keita Toshi
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai-shi, Japan
| | - Koubun Wakashima
- Department of Clinical Psychology & Family Psychology, Graduate School of Education, Tohoku University, Sendai-shi, Japan
| | - Hatsumi Yoshii
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai-shi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shimizu Y, Hirai K, Ueda Y, Yagi A, Ohtake F. Impact of the Threat of COVID-19 Infections on the Perceived Risk to HPV Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10050829. [PMID: 35632585 PMCID: PMC9147999 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination rates for human papillomavirus (HPV) in Japan are significantly lower than other countries, and Japanese people are reluctant to be vaccinated. Repeated daily reports of COVID-19 infections and restrictions have made people more health conscious and aware of the danger of infectious diseases. In this study, we used the health belief model (HBM) to examine perceived threats of cancer and infectious diseases and to ascertain whether the new COVID-19 vaccination in addition to these perceived threats would increase vaccination intention against cervical cancer. We conducted a cluster analysis to classify the segmentation regarding the perceived threat, and a logistic regression analysis to predict factors influencing people accepting vaccination. We received 1257 completed surveys during our research. We classified the participants into six clusters, and the logistic regression analysis indicated eight factors significantly associated with the willingness to get the HPV vaccine: reliable information sources such as doctors and social networking sites (SNS), the recognition of COVID-19 symptoms, the awareness of COVID-19 vaccination, the importance of HPV prevention through vaccination, one’s own intention of COVID-19 vaccination, their intention of COVID-19 vaccination toward children, and benefits of HPV vaccination. Further research on HPV and COVID-19 vaccination is encouraged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Shimizu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, 1-2, Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan;
| | - Kei Hirai
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, 1-2, Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-668-798-124
| | - Yutaka Ueda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2, Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (Y.U.); (A.Y.)
| | - Asami Yagi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2, Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (Y.U.); (A.Y.)
| | - Fumio Ohtake
- Department of Economics, Graduate School of Economics, Osaka University, 1-7, Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka 560-0043, Osaka, Japan;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sakai M, Nakanishi M, Yu Z, Takagi G, Toshi K, Wakashima K, Yoshii H. Depression and anxiety among nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tohoku region, Japan: A cross-sectional survey. Jpn J Nurs Sci 2022; 19:e12483. [PMID: 35384284 PMCID: PMC9115080 DOI: 10.1111/jjns.12483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Aim Restrictions such as physical distancing and online learning for college students were implemented due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Owing to this, students may experience psychological distress from social isolation and loneliness. Nursing students are subjected to an exacerbated level of distress during the pandemic due to their role as health professionals. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the level of anxiety and depression among Japanese nursing students, according to their perceived vulnerability to COVID‐19. Methods A total of 281 college students (104 nursing students and 177 other college students) responded to a web‐based anonymous questionnaire survey from 18 August to 31 October 2020. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to evaluate anxiety (HADS‐A) and depression (HADS‐D). Perceived vulnerability to COVID‐19 was assessed using the Perceived Vulnerability to Disease Scale. Results In both groups of students, the prevalence of both anxiety (30.5% in nursing students; 69.5% in others) and depressive symptoms (31.1% in nursing students; 68.9% in others) were remarkably high. There were no significant differences in anxiety and depression between nursing and other students after adjusting for perceived vulnerability to COVID‐19 plus socio‐demographic characteristics and stress coping styles. Perceived vulnerability and its interactions with nursing did not show a significant association with either depression or anxiety. Conclusion This study highlights the need for greater support and preventive strategies for mental health problems for college students during the COVID‐19 pandemic regardless of perceived vulnerability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mai Sakai
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Miharu Nakanishi
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Zhiqian Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Gen Takagi
- Department of Welfare Psychology, Faculty of General Welfare, Tohoku Fukushi University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Keita Toshi
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Koubun Wakashima
- Department of Clinical Psychology & Family Psychology, Graduate School of Education, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hatsumi Yoshii
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shimizu Y, Hashimoto T, Karasawa K. Influence of Contact Experience and Germ Aversion on Negative Attitudes Toward Older Adults: Role of Youth Identity. Front Psychol 2022; 13:829742. [PMID: 35369162 PMCID: PMC8965861 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.829742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The world’s population is currently aging, and the issue of ageism has become serious worldwide, including in Japan. Negative attitudes toward older adults can have undesirable effects on the mental and physical health of this group. We focused on the effects of contact experience with older adults and germ aversion, or the degree of aversion to infection, on negative attitudes toward older adults. Additionally, we included a moderating variable; youth identity, or the sense of belonging with younger rather than older age groups. An online survey was conducted with Japanese participants (N = 603). We conducted multiple regression analyses and the results showed that the interaction effect between youth identity and contact experience on negative attitudes toward older adults was significant. The findings suggest that contact experience may help in reducing negative attitudes toward older adults among people with low youth identity. The interaction effect between youth identity and germ aversion, however, was not significant. Academic research on the effects of some psychological interventions (e.g., intergenerational social exchange) should pay particular attention to the role of youth identity. Future directions for empirical studies are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuho Shimizu
- Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Kaori Karasawa
- Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hitokoto H, Adeclas J. Harmony and Aversion in the Face of a Pandemic
1. JAPANESE PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2022; 64:222-243. [PMID: 35599957 PMCID: PMC9115224 DOI: 10.1111/jpr.12416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
While the survival function of culture against infectious disease has been investigated, little is known about its psychological processes under the real‐world threat of infection. Here, we compare the subjective COVID‐19‐related symptoms of Japanese and French adults during the spring of 2021. We tested two regression models describing the downregulation of symptoms by germ aversion, and by interdependent happiness, together with relational mobility and demographics. We regard germ aversion as an individualized fending‐off process marked by discomfort with the general other in the face of possible infection. We regard interdependent happiness as a relational safeguarding process against possible infection. Results suggest that the effect of germ aversion differed across nations, negatively explaining symptoms in Japan but not in France, and that the effect of interdependent happiness was shared. A possible psychological mechanism whereby collectivist culture suppresses infection in the face of the pandemic is discussed.
Collapse
|
12
|
Do Bú EA, de Alexandre MES, Rezende AT, Bezerra VADS. Perceived vulnerability to disease: adaptation and validation of the PVD-br. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 42:1-14. [PMID: 34785876 PMCID: PMC8580363 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02424-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Perceived vulnerability to disease is characterized by the extent to which individuals perceive themselves to be susceptible to contracting infectious diseases, as well as by the emotional discomfort that results from assessing the risk of getting contaminated by pathogens. The PVD self-report scale, which measures this construct, is widely used internationally. However, it has not yet been adapted for Brazil. To address this gap, we adapted and validated the PVD scale for the Brazilian context (PVD-br) in four studies. Study 1 (N = 39) addressed translation, expert validation, and assessment of the comprehensibility of the scale's items. Study 2 (N = 200) showed that the items were organized into two correlated factors and tested the scale's items quality using the Item Response Theory. Study 3 (N = 201) confirmed the bifactorial structure and examined the invariance of PVD-br for men and women, while Study 4 analyzed the convergent (N = 432) and discriminant (N = 181) validity of the instrument. Results indicate strong evidence of content, factorial, and criterion validity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emerson Araújo Do Bú
- Institute of Social Sciences, University of Lisbon, Av. Professor Aníbal Bettencourt, nº 9, Entre Campos, 1600189 Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Lisbon, Alameda da Universidade, 1649013 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Edna Silva de Alexandre
- Federal University of Paraíba, Via Expressa Padre Zé - Conj. Pres. Castelo Branco III, 58033455 João Pessoa Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Alessandro Teixeira Rezende
- Federal University of Paraíba, Via Expressa Padre Zé - Conj. Pres. Castelo Branco III, 58033455 João Pessoa Paraíba, Brazil
- Faculdade de Integração do Sertão, Rua João Luiz de Melo, nº 2110, Serra Talhada, Pernambuco Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
The association between personality traits and hoarding behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021; 179:110927. [PMID: 33897078 PMCID: PMC8053240 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.110927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between personality traits and hoarding behavior during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. An online survey was conducted among 530 Japanese adults (274 women; Mage = 44.26, SDage = 8.43) who were living in Tokyo when a state of emergency was declared. Personality traits were assessed using measures of the Big Five personality traits and dispositional greed. They also responded to measures of tendencies to hoard essential and countermeasure products during the COVID-19 pandemic. Correlation analysis revealed that Extraversion, Neuroticism, Openness, and dispositional greed were positively associated with hoarding behavior. Multiple regression analysis revealed that individuals with high Agreeableness, Neuroticism, Openness, and dispositional greed tended to hoard products. The present findings suggest that personality traits account for behavioral responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. The emergent relationship between hoarding behavior and each personality trait is discussed in relation to the existing literature.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wakashima K, Asai K, Kobayashi D, Koiwa K, Kamoshida S, Sakuraba M. The Japanese version of the Fear of COVID-19 scale: Reliability, validity, and relation to coping behavior. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241958. [PMID: 33152038 PMCID: PMC7644080 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is spreading worldwide, causing various social problems. The aim of the present study was to verify the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and to ascertain FCV-19S effects on assessment of Japanese people's coping behavior. After back-translation of the scale, 450 Japanese participants were recruited from a crowdsourcing platform. These participants responded to the Japanese FCV-19S, the Japanese versions of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) and the Japanese versions of the Perceived Vulnerability to Disease (PVD), which assesses coping behaviors such as stockpiling and health monitoring, reasons for coping behaviors, and socio-demographic variables. Results indicated the factor structure of the Japanese FCV-19S as including seven items and one factor that were equivalent to those of the original FCV-19S. The scale showed adequate internal reliability (α = .87; ω = .92) and concurrent validity, as indicated by significantly positive correlations with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; anxiety, r = .56; depression, r = .29) and Perceived Vulnerability to Disease (PVD; perceived infectability, r = .32; germ aversion, r = .29). Additionally, the FCV-19S not only directly increased all coping behaviors (β = .21 - .36); it also indirectly increased stockpiling through conformity reason (indirect effect, β = .04; total effect, β = .31). These results suggest that the Japanese FCV-19S psychometric scale has equal reliability and validity to those of the original FCV-19S. These findings will contribute further to the investigation of various difficulties arising from fear about COVID-19 in Japan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Keigo Asai
- Graduate School of Education, Hokkaido University of Education, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | - Kohei Koiwa
- Graduate School of Education, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Saeko Kamoshida
- Graduate School of Education, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mayumi Sakuraba
- Graduate School of Education, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yonemitsu F, Ikeda A, Yoshimura N, Takashima K, Mori Y, Sasaki K, Qian K, Yamada Y. Warning 'Don't spread' versus 'Don't be a spreader' to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:200793. [PMID: 33047042 PMCID: PMC7540770 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.200793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is threatening not only health but also life worldwide. It is important to encourage citizens to voluntarily practise infection-prevention (IP) behaviours such as social distancing and self-restraint. Previous research on social cognition suggested that emphasizing self-identity is key to changing a person's behaviour. The present study investigated whether reminders that highlight self-identity would be effective in changing intention and behaviour related to the COVID-19 outbreak, and hypothesized that those who read reminders highlighting self-identity (Don't be a spreader) would change IP intention and behaviour better than those who read 'Don't spread' or no reminder. We conducted a two-wave survey of the same participants with a one-week interval, during which we assigned one of three reminder conditions to the participants: 'Don't spread' (spreading condition), 'Don't be a spreader' (spreader condition) and no reminder (control condition). Participants marked their responses to IP intentions and actual behaviours each week based on the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare guidelines. While the results did not show significant differences between the conditions, the post hoc analyses showed significant equivalence in either IP intentions or behavioural scores. We discussed the results from the perspective of the effect size, ceiling effects and ways of manipulation checks as future methods with more effective persuasive messaging. Following in-principle acceptance, the approved Stage 1 version of this manuscript was pre-registered on the OSF at https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/KZ5Y4. This pre-registration was performed prior to data collection and analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fumiya Yonemitsu
- Graduate School of Human-Environment Studies, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Ikeda
- Graduate School of Human-Environment Studies, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoto Yoshimura
- Graduate School of Human-Environment Studies, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaito Takashima
- Graduate School of Human-Environment Studies, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuki Mori
- Graduate School of Human-Environment Studies, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Kun Qian
- Institute of Decision Science for a Sustainable Society, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamada
- Faculty of Arts and Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Masuyama A, Shinkawa H, Kubo T. Validation and Psychometric Properties of the Japanese Version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale Among Adolescents. Int J Ment Health Addict 2020; 20:387-397. [PMID: 32837445 PMCID: PMC7358289 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-020-00368-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of the global outbreak of COVID-19, there is an urgent need to explore the effects of this pandemic on the mental health of adolescents. The present study aims to adapt and validate a Japanese-version Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) with a sample of adolescent students from Japan. To this end, the Japanese-version FCV-19S, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A), and Perceived Vulnerability to Disease Scale (PVDS) were administered to a sample of Japanese adolescents in schools. The results of statistical analyses revealed that the Japanese-version FCV-19S has a bi-factor model consisting of the emotional response factor and the physiological response factor, with high reliability (emotional: α = .71; physiological: α = .82). Constructive validity was shown by the significant positive correlation between the GAD-7 and emotional (r = .11) and physiological response (r = .25), between PHQ-A and physiological response (r = .19), and between both factors and the PVDS subscale (rs > .16). Taken together, these results indicate that the Japanese-version FCV-19S has a high internal consistency and a moderately good construct validity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Masuyama
- Faculty of Psychology, Iryo Sosei University, Chuodai-Iino 5-5-1, Iwaki City, Fukushima 970-8551 Japan
| | - Hiroki Shinkawa
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Zaifu-cho 5, Hirosaki City, Aomori 036-8562 Japan
| | - Takahiro Kubo
- Psychological Counseling Center, Iryo Sosei University, Chuodai-Iino 5-5-1, Iwaki City, Fukushima 970-8551 Japan.,Iwaki City Board of Education, Taira-Donemachi 4-8, Iwaki City, Fukushima 970-8026 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yamada Y, Xu H, Sasaki K. A dataset for the perceived vulnerability to disease scale in Japan before the spread of COVID-19. F1000Res 2020; 9:334. [PMID: 32934802 PMCID: PMC7468562 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.23713.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak is a worldwide medical and epidemiological catastrophe, and the number of psychological studies concerning COVID-19 is growing daily. Such studies need baseline data from before the COVID-19 outbreak for comparison, but such datasets have not yet been accumulated and shared. Here, we provide a dataset on the perceived vulnerability to disease scale for 1382 Japanese participants obtained through an online survey conducted in 2018 that will be useful for comparison with current or post-COVID-19 perceived vulnerability to disease data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Yamada
- Faculty of Arts and Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Haoqin Xu
- Graduate School of Human-Environment Studies, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Yamada Y, Xu H, Sasaki K. A dataset for the perceived vulnerability to disease scale in Japan before the spread of COVID-19. F1000Res 2020; 9:334. [PMID: 32934802 PMCID: PMC7468562 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.23713.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak is a worldwide medical and epidemiological catastrophe, and the number of psychological studies concerning COVID-19 is growing daily. Such studies need baseline data from before the COVID-19 outbreak for comparison, but such datasets have not yet been accumulated and shared. Here, we provide a dataset on the perceived vulnerability to disease scale for 1382 Japanese participants obtained through an online survey conducted in 2018 that will be useful for comparison with current or post-COVID-19 perceived vulnerability to disease data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Yamada
- Faculty of Arts and Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Haoqin Xu
- Graduate School of Human-Environment Studies, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tsegmed O, Taoka D, Qi J, Ariga A. Implicit Attitudes About Agricultural and Aquatic Products From Fukushima Depend on Where Consumers Reside. Front Psychol 2019; 10:515. [PMID: 30930817 PMCID: PMC6425750 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Japanese consumers are still hesitant to purchase products from Fukushima, although 7 years have passed since the Fukushima nuclear disaster, and these products are officially considered safe. In this study, we examined whether Japanese consumers have negative implicit attitudes toward agricultural and aquatic products from the Fukushima region and whether these attitudes are independent of their explicit attitudes. Japanese students completed an implicit association test and a questionnaire to assess their implicit and explicit attitudes toward products from Fukushima relative to another region. The results of two experiments reliably demonstrated that the public has negative implicit attitudes toward Fukushima products, whereas their explicit attitudes are consistently positive. These observations predominantly held for participants living close to Fukushima (Tokyo) as opposed to participants living far away (Hiroshima): Experiment 1 (n = 40). Furthermore, individual differences in aversion to germs contributed to the implicit attitudes; the implicit negative attitudes were attenuated among the participants with a relatively low aversion to germs: Experiment 2 (n = 60). These results suggest that the implicit attitudes associated with the behavioral immune system, which is conceptualized as a suite of psychological mechanisms designed to proactively resist pathogenic threats, may underlie the hesitation to purchase products from Fukushima.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Otgonchimeg Tsegmed
- Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima, Japan
| | | | - Jiang Qi
- Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima, Japan
| | - Atsunori Ariga
- Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|