Anxiety In Japan Research Articles

Japan’s Border Measures during Covid-19: How the Crisis Shaped ‘Others’ to Protect the ‘Stability of Self’

The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted countries to implement a wide range of specific cross-border security measures. The fear and anxiety induced by this crisis have rapidly expanded and contracted countries’ understanding of ‘self’ and ‘other’. This study examines Japan’s shift from liberal pre- Covid-19 border policies to the most stringent border closure measures among the G7 countries during the pandemic. In this study, we argue that the pandemic-induced fear increased anxiety in Japan’s public health safety identity, rapidly reshaping the conceptualization of the ‘self’ and ‘other’ in crisis scenarios. This shift aligns with Japan’s historical narrative of combating unprecedented threats to public health.

Japanese Translation of the Concerns of Social Reprisal Scale and Examination of the Bivalent Fear of Evaluation Model for Social Anxiety in Japan

AbstractThe bivalent fear of evaluation model explains the association of fear of evaluation and heightened social anxiety via concerns of social reprisal (CSR) and disqualification of positive social outcomes (DPSO). The constructs of the model may differ in individualistic (e.g., Australia) and collectivistic countries (e.g., Japan); however, no study has examined the model, including CSR, in collectivistic countries. This study develops the Japanese translation of the Concerns of Social Reprisal Scale (CSRS) and examines constructs of the bivalent fear of evaluation model in Japan. Overall, 496 participants completed CSR and social‐anxiety‐related questionnaires. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 1‐factor structure for the Japanese translation of the CSRS. Convergent validity and internal consistency were supported by significant relationships between social‐anxiety‐related variables and high McDonald's ω coefficient. Discriminant validity was partially supported by higher correlation between the CSRS and DPSO scale than correlation to the fear of negative evaluation scale. Path analysis revealed that the best fitting bivalent fear of evaluation model is similar to the individualistic country model, although DPSO contributes to social anxiety symptoms more than fear of positive evaluation.

Randomised controlled trial of cultural-adapted and programme-adopted cognitive behavioural therapy for children and adolescents’ anxiety in Japan: protocol for a Multi-, Inter-, and Cross-cultural Clinical Child Study (MIXCS)

IntroductionThe primary objective of the Multi-, Inter-, and Cross-cultural Clinical Child Study (MIXCS) is to evaluate the hypothesis that the effects of cultural-adapted cognitive behavioural therapy (CA-CBT) and programme-adopted cognitive...

The Big Five personality traits and the fear of COVID-19 in predicting depression and anxiety among Japanese nurses caring for COVID-19 patients: A cross-sectional study in Wakayama prefecture.

Recent studies have found a relationship between fear of COVID-19 and mental health problems. Medical workers caring for COVID-19 patients tend to suffer from mental health problems; however, the impact of their personality traits, in the form of mental problems like depression and anxiety in Japan is unclear. In this study, we investigated the risk of nurses' depression and anxiety, predicted by the fear of COVID-19 and the Big Five personality traits. A total of 417 nurses working in hospitals providing care to COVID-19 patients in Wakayama prefecture of the Kansai region participated in this study. The questionnaires comprised items on nurses' basic characteristics and three scales: the Fear of COVID-19 Scale 2020, the Big-Five Scale, and the Japanese version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Depression and anxiety in the HADS were set as dependent variables, and basic attributes, fear, and personality traits as independent variables; multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. The questionnaire, with no missing items was distributed from February to March 2021. Neuroticism (OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.03-1.09) was the only significant factor associated with the depression symptom, and both FCV-19S scores (OR = 1.16, 95%CI = 1.09-1.23) and neuroticism (OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.06-1.13) were the significant factors associated with anxiety. The Nagelkerke's R squared was 0.171 in the depression model and 0.366 in the anxiety model. Thus, it was found that it is necessary to support nurses' mental health by developing methods suitable to their personalities.

Relationship between Female Sexual Function and Depression or Anxiety in Japan

Background: Sexual dysfunction is sexual complaints or disorders. There are various causes, but the onset leads to deterioration of relationships and quality of life with partners. There is still a deep-rooted awareness that sexuality is a secret in Japan. Aim: This study aims to clarify the relationship between female sexual function and depression or anxiety. Method: Four hundred and fifty-eight Japanese healthy women who worked in four randomly selected medical institutions in Okinawa Prefecture in Japan from March to May 2012 were asked to agree to a consent form of their own free will and participate in self-reported questionnaires. For their evaluation, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI; Rosen et al. 2000, which includes the six domains of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, pain, and satisfaction) and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6; Kessler, 2002, which includes the following six items: felt nervous, hopeless, restless or fidgety, worthless, depressed, and felt that everything was an effort) was used. Moreover, participants’ characteristics showed age, marriage, menopause, annual income, and drinking. In addition, JMP16.2 and R 4.2.0 was used to perform Pearson’s chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Steel-Dwass test, Spearman’s Rank-Order Correlation, and Cronbach’s alpha. This study was approved by the university and the medical institutional review board (IRB). Results: 178 women were included in the final analysis, and the median (IQR, interquartile range) was 39 (32 - 48) years old, and the mean ± SD (standard deviation) was 40.2 ± 10.4 years old. The median (IQR) and mean ± SD of FSFI Total Score were 22.0 (9.3 - 26.6) and 19.2 ± 9.6. The median (IQR) and the mean ± SD of K6 Total Score were 3 (0 - 7) and 4.2 ± 4.5. 16% of all women with a K6 Total Score of 10 and more, and 5% of all women with a K6 Total Score of 13 and more considered a serious mental illness. There was no clear association between female sexual function and depression or anxiety in all health worker participants between FSFI Total Score and K6 Total Score by Spearman’s Rank-Order Correlation Coefficient (ρ). However, there was a moderate correlation between the K6 Total Score and the FSFI Total Score in health worker participants with a K6 Total Score of 11 or more (n =19, ρ = −0.62, P = 0.005). Moreover, there was a weak correlation between them in both married and drinking women or married and non-menopausal women. In the Mann-Whitney U test where few participants had morbid depression, significant relationships were found in the association between a sexual function with high depression or anxiety, whereas the low group had a K6 cut-off value of 11. Conclusion: Female sexual morbidity for high depression or anxiety should be managed with interventions. Especially, the intervention for decreasing female sexual function in the K6 Total Score of 11 or more will be needed, and a randomized study is required for more evidence.

Effect of commuting on the risk of COVID-19 and COVID-19-induced anxiety in Japan, December 2020

BackgroundTo prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), it is important to avoid 3Cs (closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings). However, the risk of contact with an unspecified number of people is inevitable while commuting to and from work. In this study, we investigated the relationship between commuting, and the risk of COVID-19 and COVID-19-induced anxiety.MethodsAn internet-based questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain a dataset from 27,036 respondents. One-way commuting time was evaluated using a five-case method. The commuting distance was estimated using zip codes of the home and workplace. Logistic regression analysis was performed with the following outcomes: COVID-19 risk, close contact, infection anxiety, and infection anxiety due to commuting. Commuting distance and commuting time were analyzed separately in the model. We excluded participants with incalculable commuting distance, commuting distance exceeding 300 km, commuting distance of 0 km, or who telecommuted at least once a week.ResultsThe total number of participants included in the analysis was 14,038. The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of using public transportation for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection were 4.17 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.51–6.93) (commuting time) and 5.18 (95% CI: 3.06–8.78) (commuting distance). The aOR of COVID-19 diagnosis decreased significantly with increasing commuting distance. The aORs of using public transportation to infection anxiety were 1.44 (95% CI: 1.31–1.59) (commuting time) and 1.45 (95% CI: 1.32–1.60) (commuting distance). The longer the commuting time, the more the aOR increased.ConclusionsCOVID-19 risk, close contact, and infection anxiety were all associated with the use of public transportation during commuting. Both commuting distance and time were associated with infection anxiety due to commuting, and the strength of the association increased with increase in commuting time distance. Since transportation by commuting is associated with COVID-19 risk and anxiety, we recommend the use of telecommuting and other means of work.

Consumer Attitudes' Influence on Food Purchase Intentions and Social Networking Service Recommendations

Even after 10 years of the Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred in March 2011, the radioactive contamination ensuing from the earthquake continues to cause food contamination anxiety in Japan. In this context, this study examined how Japanese food quality shapes foreign consumers’ attitudes, which, in turn, influence their purchase intentions in a social media environment.<BR> The study conducted a survey on Korean consumers’ awareness of the quality attributes of Japanese food. The study investigated the purchasing intention using the Fishbein’s attitude model in relation to the quality of Japanese food and sharing and recommendation through the social networking services (SNS). The analysis was performed using the covariance analysis.<BR> The results showed that the quality attributes of Japanese food strongly influence attitude, which, in turn, significantly influences purchase intentions and SNS sharing. The purchase intention significantly influences the SNS recommendations.<BR> These findings have value in demonstrating the moderating role of SNS sharing and recommendations in the causal relationship between attributes, attitudes, and purchase intentions. These findings have practical implications in that they demonstrate the significance of enhancing the import quality of Japanese food and using SNS to influence purchase intentions.

Kamikihito, a traditional Japanese Kampo medicine, increases the secretion of oxytocin in rats with acute stress

Ethnopharmacological relevanceKamikihito (KKT) is a Kampo medicine that is prescribed in Japan for the treatment of anemia, insomnia and mental anxiety in Japan. However, its precise mechanism of action remains unclear. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to evaluate the possible antistress effect of KKT in rats with acute stress and the contribution of oxytocin to the process. Materials and methodsAcute immobilization stress (AIS; for 90 min) was used to assess the effect of KKT on acute stress. Male Wistar rats were orally treated with KKT. Parameters of stress were evaluated, and concentrations of oxytocin in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were measured. ResultsAIS-induced defecation and fecal weight were significantly decreased because of treatment with KKT. The plasma levels of stress-related hormones following AIS were investigated. The pre-administration of KKT significantly increased adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) levels following AIS. Conversely, there was no significant change in the plasma oxytocin level. Microdialysis and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC–MS/MS) were used to monitor the oxytocin secretion in CSF. Oxytocin level increased during AIS following the treatment of KKT. At 30 min after AIS, the level remained higher than before AIS. Furthermore, using an open field test, the locomotion (exploratory behavior) immediately after AIS was examined. The total traveled distance decreased after AIS; however, the decrease was significantly inhibited by the treatment of KKT. However, the effect of KKT was obstructed by the pre-administration of the oxytocin receptor antagonist. ConclusionsThese results suggest that KKT has antistress activity and increased oxytocin secretion may be a mechanism underlying this phenomenon.

Changes in depression and anxiety through mindfulness group therapy in Japan: the role of mindfulness and self-compassion as possible mediators

BackgroundMindfulness-based interventions are increasingly being implemented worldwide for problems with depression and anxiety, and they have shown evidence of efficacy. However, few studies have examined the effects of a mindfulness-based group therapy based on standard programs for depression and anxiety until follow-up in Japan. This study addresses that gap. Furthermore, this study explored the mechanisms of action, focusing on mindfulness, mind wandering, self-compassion, and the behavioral inhibition and behavioral activation systems (BIS/BAS) as possible mediators.MethodsWe examined 16 people who suffered from depression and/or anxiety in an 8-week mindfulness group therapy. Measurements were conducted using questionnaires on depression and trait-anxiety (outcome variables), mindfulness, mind wandering, self-compassion, and the BIS/BAS (process variables) at pre- and post-intervention and 2-month follow-up. Changes in the outcome and process variables were tested, and the correlations among the changes in those variables were explored.ResultsDepression and anxiety decreased significantly, with moderate to large effect sizes, from pre- to post-intervention and follow-up. In process variables, the observing and nonreactivity facets of mindfulness significantly increased from pre- to post-intervention and follow-up. The nonjudging facet of mindfulness and self-compassion significantly increased from pre-intervention to follow-up. Other facets of mindfulness, mind wandering, and the BIS/BAS did not significantly change. Improvements in some facets of mindfulness and self-compassion and reductions in BIS were significantly correlated with decreases in depression and anxiety.ConclusionsAn 8-week mindfulness group therapy program may be effective for people suffering from depression and anxiety in Japan. Mindfulness and self-compassion may be important mediators of the effects of the mindfulness group therapy. Future studies should confirm these findings by using a control group.Trial registrationUniversity Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) UMIN000022966. Registered July 1, 2016, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000026425

The cost of schizophrenia in Japan.

Introduction:Schizophrenia is a disorder that produces considerable burdens due to its often relapsing/remitting or chronic longitudinal course. This burden is felt not only by patients themselves, but also by their families and health care systems. Although the societal burden caused by this disorder has been evaluated in several countries, the magnitude of the societal cost of schizophrenia in Japan has never been estimated. The aim of this study is to clarify the societal burden of schizophrenia by estimating the cost of schizophrenia in Japan in 2008.Methods:A human capital approach was adopted to estimate the cost of schizophrenia. The total cost of schizophrenia was calculated as the sum of the direct, morbidity, and mortality costs. Schizophrenia was defined as disorders coded as F20.0–F20.9 according to the International Classification of Diseases-10. The data required to estimate the total cost was collected from publicly available statistics or previously reported studies.Results:The total cost of schizophrenia in Japan in 2008 was JPY 2.77 trillion (USD 23.8 billion). While the direct cost was JPY 0.770 trillion (USD 6.59 billion), the morbidity and mortality costs were JPY 1.85 trillion (USD 15.8 billion) and JPY 0.155 trillion (USD 1.33 billion), respectively.Conclusion:The societal burden caused by schizophrenia is tremendous in Japan, similar to that in other developed countries where published data exist. Compared with other disorders, such as depression or anxiety disorders, the direct cost accounted for a relatively high proportion of the total cost. Furthermore, absolute costs arising from unemployment were larger, while the prevalence rate was smaller, than the corresponding results for depression or anxiety in Japan.

Discourses on Japan and China in Africa: Mutual Mis-Alignment and the Prospects for Cooperation

Japanese and Chinese governmental initiatives in Africa since the 1990s have cast a spotlight on the nature of their respective interests and objectives on the continent. In particular, the speed with which China has advanced in Africa has led to observations in the English-language academic literature and media that China and Japan are engaged in a rivalry for resources, power and influence in Africa, and that Japan has been working hard to ‘catch up’ with China. This article questions this ‘strategic rivalry’ view by examining Japanese and Chinese academic studies of each other's activities in Africa and outlining the main themes of Japan's China-in-Africa discourse, and China's Japan-in-Africa discourse. It suggests that there appears to be less interest and anxiety in Japan about China's activities in Africa than some assessments infer, and that, by contrast, China's Japan-in-Africa discourse shows a greater interest in, and in some cases suspicions of, Japan's objectives in Africa. The article also discusses the seemingly distant prospects for cooperation between China and Japan in Africa, in light of these respective discourses, while considering the tentative steps towards coordination in the form of such initiatives as the ‘Trilateral Consultation’ between China, Japan and South Korea and the development of new academic networks.

Japan and China

Sino-Japanese relationship is too complex a narrative in the study of security and strategic dynamics of East Asia. Despite historical irritants both have developed such a close economic relationship that neither can afford to derail the partnership by any act of miscalculation. Though neither perceives the relationship in zero-sum-game terms, both realize the benefits that would accrue if it is deepened, nothwithstanding the element of fragility in the relationship. More recently, China’s military modernisation and rising assertiveness in territorial issues have raised anxiety in Japan. Similarly, China does not see kindly to Japan’s Defense Guidelines that mentions China as a matter of ‘concern’. The contending claims over the Senkaku Islands are a sore point in the relationship and a solution does not seem to be in the horizon. This article attempts to analyse the intricacies in the bilateral relationship in the context of changing security dynamics in the Asia Pacific region and in the wake of economic interdependence and the desire to foster economic integration of economies. China is a big challenge for Japan. Managing China through regional institutions such as East Asia summit and ADMM Plus are the desirable options. The extended presence of the US as a stabilising force is likely to stay despite talks of US ‘decline’.

A Sociocultural Analysis of Death Anxiety among Older Japanese Urbanites in a Citizens' Movement

By examining the experiences of death anxiety and attitudes toward personal deaths among members of a citizens' movement, the Grave-Free Promotion Society (GFPS), this study considers the applicability of the view that culture and high self-esteem serve as defenses against death anxiety in Japan's changing society. The GFPS promotes the scattering of ashes over the conventional interment of cremated remains in a family grave. GFPS members often lack descendants to care for a family grave, the neglect of which is thought to endanger the deceased's peaceful rest. By returning the dead to nature through ash scattering, the GFPS provides an alternative strategy of managing its members' posthumous well-being. GFPS members often report that their choice of ash scattering has reduced their anxiety about their personal deaths and improved the quality of their lives. Based upon these findings, this study offers some suggestions for increasing cultural sensitivities of test instruments commonly used to examine death anxiety among older persons for use in a Japanese context.

Child‐rearing Anxiety and Its Correlates Among Japanese Mothers Screened at 18‐Month Infant Health Checkups

To examine the level of child-rearing anxiety and to explore the variables correlated with child-rearing anxiety in a city in Japan. Cross-sectional study. From July to September 2003, 371 mothers who visited community health centers in a city in Tokyo Metropolis for their child's 18-month health checkups. Child-rearing anxiety was measured by the child-rearing anxiety scale. Questions in a self-reported questionnaire were on maternal variables, including maternal background information, child variables, and family system variables such as the presence of social support, and utilization of parenting support services. Also included within the questionnaire was the General Health Questionnaire-12. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis revealed that mothers with higher child-rearing anxiety had less childcare satisfaction, more depressive symptoms, more worries about the child, less support from the husband, and less social support. To identify mothers with high child-rearing anxiety in Japan, the infant health checkups should be utilized as an opportunity for screening, focusing on variables regarding mothers. Public health nurses can provide the necessary support after gaining an understanding of issues confronting mothers to prevent child-rearing anxiety and child abuse.

Two Cognitions Observed in Taijin-Kyofusho and Social Anxiety Symptoms

The offensive type is most characteristic in four types of social fear or anxiety in Japan, Taijin-kyofusho. This type is characterized by cognitions of other-offending and avoidance-by-others. The present purpose was to investigate which cognition is more important in the pathogenesis of the Offensive type. 220 undergraduates completed the Other-offending Cognition and the Avoidance-by-others Cognition Scale, the Interaction Anxiety Scale, and Audience Anxiety Scale. Partial correlations, controlling for each cognition in turn, showed a significant association only between scores on Social Anxiety Disorder and the other-offending cognition. Change in the other-offending cognition may have therapeutic importance.

Overview of serotonin 1A receptor selective agents in anxiety disorders-the developmental situation in Japan

SummarySerotonin 1A receptor selective agents have been developed throughout the world, but have different degrees of acceptance in different countries. Although buspirone has been marketed in the United States and Europe, positive results were not obtained for trials of buspirone in anxiety in Japan. Positive results were also not obtained for a related agent, ipsapirone, in Japan, although another related agent, tandospirone, has been demonstrated to show clinical efficacy in anxiety in Japanese studies. This may lead to the ultimate marketing of tandospirone for anxiety disorders in Japan.

Strategies for reducing public speaking anxiety in Japan

The current study was undertaken to develop a typology of strategies that people use to cope with public speaking anxiety (PSA). Furthermore, the influences of anxiety level on strategy use were assessed. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed with data obtained from 181 respondents. Findings suggest 65 basic tactics for coping with PSA that cohere into 6 strategy types (Relaxation, Preparation, Positive Thinking, Audience Depreciation, Concentration, and Resignation). High anxious persons were found more likely to report Relaxation and Preparation than low anxious ones. Implications for additional research are discussed.

Death Anxiety in Japan and Australia

This study compared death anxiety ratings as measured by the Templer Death Anxiety Scale (Templer, 1970) in 121 Japanese and 139 Australian subjects. Japanese subjects had significantly higher death anxiety scores than their Australian counterparts. Australian women scored significantly higher than Australian men, but no sex differences were found in the Japanese sample. A slight but statistically significant positive correlation was found between age and death anxiety scores. This study contradicted other research that indicated that Eastern cultural attitudes mitigated anxiety about death. These findings are discussed in relation to the complex relationship between culture and death anxiety as well as in relation to problems inherent in our current conception of death anxiety.