Japanese Young Adults Research Articles

The psychological mechanisms of the better-than-average effect in the moral and competence domains under self-enhancement and self-protection motives among young Japanese adults.

The better-than-average effect (BTAE) refers to the phenomenon where individuals perceive themselves as better than the average person. This effect has been independently examined in terms of social perception dimension and motivation. Additionally, no psychobehavioral traits have been found to be associated with the BTAE in the moral domain. However, the interactive effects of social perception dimension and motivation on the BTAE remain unclear, and its association with a broad range of psychobehavioral traits has not been extensively validated. In this study, we assess self-and average other-evaluations across four domains, based on two social perception dimensions and two motivations, to investigate their interactive effects on the BTAE (n = 678). We measured seven sets of psychobehavioral characteristics to examine their association with the BTAE, as well as self-and other-evaluations. Results indicated that the BTAE occurred only under negative moral conditions, while the worse-than-others effect was observed under two competence conditions. Furthermore, the BTAE was associated with only a few psychobehavioral characteristics in the moral domains, compared to many in the competence domains. Notably, both self-and other-evaluations were correlated with many trust-relevant characteristics in the moral domains. These findings suggest that sociocultural dynamics may influence the BTAE differently across various domains.

Cross-cultural comparison of the acceptance of insects as food among young adults in Malaysia and Japan

Abstract The growing world population raises concerns about food security, with increasing demand for animal protein often impacting scarce resources like land, water and energy. Edible insects have been proposed as an alternative protein source to address this issue. The study aimed to compare acceptance of insects as food and its association with food neophobia among young adults in Malaysia and Japan. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1954 subjects, comprising 1,071 Malaysians and 883 Japanese young adults. Subjects completed an online questionnaire on sociodemography, Food Neophobia Scale, and acceptance of insects as food. Chi-square, Wilcoxon signed rank post-hoc and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis. Only 9.2% were willing to eat insects as food and 6.5% were ready to adopt eating insects in daily life. A higher proportion of Malaysians (10.5%) was willing to accept insects as food than Japanese (7.6%, ). However, Japanese (9.5%) were more ready to adopt eating insects in daily life than Malaysians (3.9%, ). Most subjects in both countries were in the neutral category of food neophobia, with no significant difference between countries. In Malaysia, the main reason for willingness to eat insects was food safety (11.5%), while in Japan it was caloric and nutritional value (17.8%). The main reason for unwillingness to eat insects in both countries was appearance (Malaysia: 17.1%; Japan: 27.9%). There was a significant association () between the acceptance of insects as food and the category of food neophobia, with lower acceptance associated with higher neophobia or vice versa. In conclusion, the acceptance of insects as food is low among young adults in Malaysia and Japan. A strategic marketing approach tailored to the reasons for acceptance could effectively promote entomophagy in both countries. Further studies should focus on transforming insects into more palatable forms.

The Association between the Planetary Health Diet with a Regular Consumption of Breakfast and a Well-Balanced Diet: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Involving Japanese Male Engineering Students at a University in Hyogo Prefecture.

Few young Japanese adults regularly consume a well-balanced diet composed of staples, main courses, and sides. We hypothesised that adopting the recommended planetary health diet with regular breakfast consumption would promote well-balanced diets among young Japanese male undergraduates. This study aimed to examine the structural association between the planetary health diet with regular breakfast consumption and a well-balanced diet intake. This cross-sectional study included 142 male engineering undergraduates who completed a 2022 online questionnaire via Google Forms at a public university in Hyogo Prefecture. The planetary health diet comprises the consumption of the recommended eight items. A covariance structure analysis was performed in a hypothetical model with factors (regular breakfast consumption and eight items) potentially associated with the intake of a well-balanced diet at least twice daily. After excluding chicken dishes and nuts from the eight recommended items of the planetary health diet, goodness-of-fit became acceptable. Frequent consumption of the remaining six recommended items (fish, eggs, soybeans/soybean products, dairy foods, vegetables, and fruits) was significantly positively correlated with regular breakfast consumption and a significant positive path to a well-balanced diet. Among male university students, regular breakfast consumption and the planetary health diet may lead to a well-balanced diet.

Differences in the Values and Related Factors of Eating a Balanced Meal among the Younger Generation in Japan.

This study examined young Japanese adults' values regarding the consumption of balanced meals consisting of staples, main dishes, and side dishes and how these values relate to demographics, socioeconomic status, nutrition knowledge, attitudes, skills, behaviors, and diet-related quality of life. Data were obtained from the "Survey on Dietary Habits of the Younger Generation" (2000 responses, ages 18-39), of which 1888 valid responses were analyzed. The principal component analysis identified three value patterns: PC1-valuable yet burdensome; PC2-environment-reliant, weak initiative; and PC3-low value due to hassle. Both PC1 and PC3 were associated with prioritizing prices in food choices and knowledge of a balanced meal. However, PC1 participants valued balanced meals and possessed meal preparation skills, whereas PC3 participants valued balanced meals less and had negative attitudes toward eating them. PC1 was positively associated with the frequency of eating balanced meals while PC3 was negatively associated. PC2 individuals had positive attitudes toward eating balanced meals but were less concerned about nutritional balance when choosing foods themselves. This study highlights the importance of adopting an approach that aligns with the value patterns of the target population.

Excessive Postprandial Sleepiness in Two Young Adults Effectively Treated with Antidiabetic Medications

AbstractWe herein describe the cases of two young Japanese adults who presented with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Based on their history, the postprandial nature of the sleepiness was suspected, although the patients themselves were not aware of the association. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) reproduced the sleepiness and showed the patterns of insulin resistance (IR) compatible with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in one patient and glucose intolerance in the other. There was no evidence of chronic hyperglycemia in either patient. Antidiabetic medications resulted in the disappearance of EDS in both patients; in one, a repeat OGTT revealed improved IR. We suggest that postprandial somnolence can present with EDS, and it can be effectively treated with antidiabetic medications, and that the OGTT can be useful in identifying IR, which may be the underliyng cause of the excessive postprandial somnolence.

Prevalence and associated factors of locomotive syndrome in young Japanese adults: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe onset of locomotive syndrome (LS) precedes that of frailty. Therefore, the first step in extending healthy life expectancy is to implement measures against LS in young adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of LS and its associated factors in young adults for early detection and prevention of LS.MethodsThe participants of this study comprised 413 university students specializing in health sciences (192 males and 221 females) with an average age of 19.1 ± 1.2 years. All participants voluntarily participated in the study and reported no serious health problems. The presence or absence of LS was evaluated using the stand-up test, two-step test, and the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale. Additionally, musculoskeletal assessment (one-leg standing, squatting, shoulder elevation, and standing forward bend), body composition analysis (weight, body mass index, body fat mass, body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and phase angle), handgrip strength test, physical activity assessment, and nutritional assessment were conducted. Sex-stratified analyses were performed, comparing groups with and without LS. Factors associated with LS were explored using binomial logistic regression.ResultsOf the 413 young adults studied, 86 individuals (20.8%) were found to have LS. When stratified by sex, LS was observed to have a considerably higher prevalence in females (55, 24.9%) than in males (31, 16.1%). In males, the notable differences between the groups with and without LS were observed in one-leg standing and phase angle, whereas in females, differences were identified in body fat mass, body fat percentage, SMI, musculoskeletal pain, and handgrip strength. Two types of binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that the inability to perform one-leg standing was associated with LS in males, while the presence of musculoskeletal pain and a high body fat percentage were identified as factors associated with LS in females.ConclusionsOne in five young adults were found to have LS in this study, underscoring the necessity for early intervention and LS health education. Furthermore, effective management of musculoskeletal pain is also crucial.

Corrigendum to: Self-presentation as an ELF user in social media: an analysis of Japanese young adults’ online language practices

Corrigendum to: Self-presentation as an ELF user in social media: an analysis of Japanese young adults’ online language practices

Relationship between face recognition ability and anxiety tendencies in healthy young individuals: A prosopagnosia index and state-trait anxiety inventory study

Developmental prosopagnosia (DP) is a condition that indicates the inability to recognize individuals by their faces from birth, without any history of brain damage. The assessment of face recognition ability and diagnosis of DP involve the use of face tests such as the Cambridge Face Memory Test (CFMT) and the Cambridge Face Perception Test, along with self-reported measures like the 20-Item Prosopagnosia Index (PI20). Face recognition accuracy is affected by anxiety. However, previous studies on the relationship between face recognition ability and anxiety have not used the PI20 measure. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-reported measures of face recognition ability and anxiety tendencies among healthy young individuals for DP diagnosis and its implications. We used a face recognition test, involving the PI20, CFMT, Visual Perception Test for Agnosia–Famous Face Test (VPTA–FFT), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). We assessed the performance of 116 Japanese young adults (75 females, median age of 20.7 years, with a standard deviation of 1.2). Subsequently, we conducted a statistical analysis to examine the relationship between the outcomes of the face recognition tests and STAI scores using Pearson correlation analysis and single correlation coefficients. The results showed a positive correlation between state anxiety and PI20 (r = 0.308, p = 0.007), and a weak positive correlation was also observed between trait anxiety and PI20 (r = 0.268, p = 0.04). In contrast, there was no correlation between CFMT and VPTA–FFT with respect to STAI. The results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis also suggested that the correlation between the performance on the PI20 (self-report) and objective measures of face recognition performance (the CFMT and the VPTA–FFT) are driven by differences in anxiety. This study is the first to explore the relationship between face recognition abilities and anxiety using the PI20 self-report measure. There are implications for future research on the diagnosis of DP and the relationship between anxiety and face recognition.

Examining Loneliness: A Comparative Analysis of Face-to-Face, Telephone, and Online Communication among Japanese Young Adults

(1) Background: Loneliness is inherently linked to social connections, with interpersonal communication playing a pivotal role. Despite this connection, limited research exists on the relationship between loneliness and communication among young adults. This study investigates the correlation between face-to-face, telephone, and online communication frequencies and loneliness among individuals in their 20s. (2) Methods: Using a dataset from a nationwide survey conducted by the Japanese Cabinet Office, this study focuses on 1812 respondents aged 20–30, selected from a random sample of 20,000 individuals aged 16 and older across Japan. (3) Results: A Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis reveals a significant association between communication frequency and loneliness, even after adjusting for demographic characteristics. Notably, decreased communication frequency across all modalities correlated with increased loneliness. Online communication exhibited the highest impact, followed by face-to-face communication, with phone call communication ranking last. (4) Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of seamlessly integrating social networking service (SNS)-based communication with various forms of social interaction. A well-balanced integration of these approaches is crucial for mitigating loneliness among young individuals and promoting positive mental health outcomes.

Development of a structured interview for the modified version of the Beth Israel Hospital psychosomatic questionnaire for alexithymia.

An observer-rated questionnaire for alexithymia based on the original 17-item Beth Israel Hospital Psychosomatic Questionnaire for Alexithymia (BIQ) was developed by Sifneos in 1973 and modified into a 12-item version of BIQ by Taylor etal. in 1997. However, it has rarely been used in a clinical or research context and studies have not given satisfactory inter-rater reliability for the 12-item version. To develop a structured interview in Japanese for the12-item modified version of BIQ (m-SIBIQ) to determine the reliability and validity of the m- scores and its factor structure model. Ninety-two Japanese young adults were interviewed. The inter-rater reliability of the m-SIBIQ was assessed by exploratory factor analysis. For the concurrent and convergent validities, correlation analysis was done between the scores of m-SIBIQ and the self-reported questionnaires: 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), Emotional Empathy Scale (EES), Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Goodness of fit of the structure model of the m-SIBIQ was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis, and the results were examined through stepwise multiple regression analysis. Good reliability was obtained for the total score of m-SIBIQ: Cronbach's α.950 (p<.001) and ICC.75(p<.05). The validity of the factor structure was obtained by confirmatory factor analysis using covariance. The model of the alexithymia constructs was configured by the operative thinking (la pensée opératoire) and affect awareness components. The stepwise multiple regression analysis extracted the total score of m-SIBIQ as significantly, negatively correlated with the Openness to experience score of NEO-FFI and significantly, positively correlated with the emotionally chilly score of EES and the score of difficulty describing feelings (DDF) of TAS-20. There were no correlations between the m-SIBIQ and BDI-II scores. For Japanese young adults, the m-SIBIQ is a reliable and valid instrument for overcoming weaknesses of the self-reported procedures by bringing to light the alexithymia construct and principal dimensions.

Association of HOMA-IR with Odd-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids in the Blood Lipid Fraction of Young Japanese Adults without Type 2 Diabetes

Association of HOMA-IR with Odd-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids in the Blood Lipid Fraction of Young Japanese Adults without Type 2 Diabetes

Urinary concentrations and elimination half-lives of parabens, benzophenones, bisphenol and triclosan in Japanese young adults.

Environmental phenols are widely distributed in the environment and human samples, suggesting potential exposure to these chemicals. We designed an intervention trial with 30 participants over 6 days to assess the urinary concentrations and half-lives of environmental phenols in Japanese young people. The target environmental phenols include three parabens (methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, and propyl paraben), two benzophenones (benzophenone 1 and 3), two bisphenols (bisphenol F and bisphenol S), and triclosan. Throughout the intervention, the participants consumed the same food and drinks and used personal care products provided by the project. The target phenols were measured in urine from the participants using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer. We compared the measured concentrations between the study periods to better understand the exposure tendency. Some statistically significant differences were observed. All target analytes were detected in more than 50% of samples collected on Day 0 (the day before the intervention). Methyl paraben was the dominant phenol detected in urine (1640 μg/g-creatinine), followed by ethyl paraben (119 μg/g-creatinine). Downward trends in creatinine-corrected concentrations were observed for all target analytes in some instances. Non-compartment analysis was performed to estimate urinary excretion parameters. The estimated half-lives ranged from 7.69 to 20.3 h. Use of paraben-free products during the intervention period reduced the body burden.

Nine-Year Trend in the Prevalence of Allergic Diseases and Their Associated Factors in Young Adults

Introduction: Notably, few studies have evaluated the recent changes in the prevalence of allergic diseases in young adults. Studies examining the risk of allergy in two populations with similar social backgrounds, other than the region in which they live, are rare. Methods: First-year students from Hokkaido University were enrolled in this study between 2011 and 2019. A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine the annual prevalence of current wheeze, seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), and perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) in nonsmoking young adults. Trends in the presence of these disease conditions were evaluated based on their hometowns (Hokkaido and outside Hokkaido separately) due to the low prevalence of cedar pollen allergies in Hokkaido. The association between these disease conditions and body mass index (BMI) was also assessed. Results: The prevalence of current wheeze and PAR food allergies did not change in both regions. SAR showed a significantly increasing trend; however, the prevalence of SAR was higher among those whose place of origin was not Hokkaido. Current wheeze was positively associated with obesity (p < 0.05), whereas the high prevalence of SAR was not associated with body weight. In contrast, a lean body type was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of PAR (p < 0.05). Discussion/Conclusion: The prevalence of current wheeze was stable and that of PAR has decreased over the past 9 years. However, the prevalence of SAR in Hokkaido has been increasing in Japanese young adults. A differential association between current wheeze and BMI was observed when comparing PAR and SAR.

Self-presentation as an ELF user in social media: an analysis of Japanese young adults’ online language practices

Abstract This paper delves into the identity constructions of Japanese young adults as users of English as a lingua franca on social media, with a specific focus on Instagram, a widely utilized platform among this demographic. Grounded in the premise that social media serves as a space for self-presentation, drawing from the social constructivist idea that the self is a performative act, the study centers on three Japanese young individuals with overseas experiences. It explores how they employ English as a communicative lingua franca in a transnational space while remaining highly conscious of their Japanese followers, endeavoring to portray idealized English-speaking selves. An ethnographic approach (Netnography) to the participants’ online practices involves prolonged online observations and interviews, seeking not only screen-based linguistic data but also uncovering the speakers’ voices behind the online screen. The findings illuminate that their identities as experienced English users evolves into a distinct aspiration to present themselves as competent English users. This aspiration is intricately attached to English ideologies, including native speakerism and the social status of English. The study provides valuable insights into the importance of scrutinizing the complex identity construction and language negotiation among speakers in ELF contexts, particularly within the realm of everyday online discourse. It sheds light on how young online users navigate between identities as English users and learners in the dynamic context of both global and local friendships.

Sex differences in airway volume and 3-dimensional shape in Japanese adults

(1) To establish normative data for three-dimensional (3D) measurements of the upper airway in young Japanese adults, and (2) to investigate sex-related differences in linear and volumetric measurements, as well as shape. This study employed cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 56 Japanese young adults preselected from among 1000 patients, so that samples matched a historic 2D cephalometric cohort with normal occlusion using propensity score matching. Three-dimensional models of the oropharynx and hypopharynx were reconstructed from CBCT images and their volumes were calculated. We defined 20 landmarks on the surface of the 3D model and performed seven linear measurements between them. The mean and standard deviation of the linear measurements were calculated as the normative data for each sex as well as the volumes. Sex-related differences were analyzed using t-test (p < 0.05). Principal component discriminant analysis of the coordinate values of the landmarks was also performed to examine sex differences in shape. The normative ranges of the 3D measurements of the oropharynx and hypopharynx were determined according to sex. Sex-related differences in the measurement results were observed in hypopharyngeal length but not in volume. The hypopharynx length in males was significantly longer than that in females. The discriminant analysis showed that males tended to show longer and straight shapes, while females showed inversed triangular shapes from the frontal view. This result will allow clinicians to evaluate how patient airway characteristics differ from the normative 3D morphology of the upper airway.

Characteristics of healthy Japanese young adults with respect to recognition of facial expressions: a preliminary study

BackgroundEmotional cognitive impairment is a core phenotype of the clinical symptoms of psychiatric disorders. The ability to measure emotional cognition is useful for assessing neurodegenerative conditions and treatment responses. However, certain factors such as culture, gender, and generation influence emotional recognition, and these differences require examination. We investigated the characteristics of healthy young Japanese adults with respect to facial expression recognition.MethodsWe generated 17 models of facial expressions for each of the six basic emotions (happiness, sadness, anger, fear, disgust, and surprise) at three levels of emotional intensity using the Facial Acting Coding System (FACS). Thirty healthy Japanese young adults evaluated the type of emotion and emotional intensity the models represented to them.ResultsAssessment accuracy for all emotions, except fear, exceeded 60% in approximately half of the videos. Most facial expressions of fear were rarely accurately recognized. Gender differences were observed with respect to both faces and participants, indicating that expressions on female faces were more recognizable than those on male faces, and female participants had more accurate perceptions of facial emotions than males.ConclusionThe videos used may constitute a dataset, with the possible exception of those that represent fear. The subject’s ability to recognize the type and intensity of emotions was affected by the gender of the portrayed face and the evaluator’s gender. These gender differences must be considered when developing a scale of facial expression recognition.

Influence of posttraumatic stress reaction and posttraumatic cognition on dissociative experiences according to the nature of traumatic experiences: A survey on Japanese young adults.

Although the relationship between dissociation and traumatic experiences has been debated, many studies focus on the context of traumatic experiences. Alternatively, basic research that examines the relationship of symptoms of posttraumatic experiences and cognitive characteristics of dissociation as an individual difference among experiencers has been lacking. To address this research gap, this study examines the influence of posttraumatic symptoms and cognition on dissociative experiences given the nature of traumatic experiences. This study administered the Events Checklist, the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Japanese version of the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory to 1,036 Japanese adolescents. It investigated differences in dissociative experiences according to the presence of and cumulative traumatic experiences. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the influence of sex and the nature of traumatic experiences, posttraumatic symptoms (IES-R), and cognition on dissociative experiences. The results demonstrated no differences in DES based on the number of traumatic experiences. Moreover, this study observed the impact of cognition in posttraumatic experience on dissociation. This study provides essential data on the distribution of dissociative experiences among Japanese adolescents with traumatic experiences and exposure to adversity. Finally, it highlights the importance of focusing on posttraumatic cognitive characteristics, particularly negative self-perception, and discusses the implications to enhance understanding of dissociative experiences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Supplemental Material for Influence of Posttraumatic Stress Reaction and Posttraumatic Cognition on Dissociative Experiences According to the Nature of Traumatic Experiences: A Survey on Japanese Young Adults

Supplemental Material for Influence of Posttraumatic Stress Reaction and Posttraumatic Cognition on Dissociative Experiences According to the Nature of Traumatic Experiences: A Survey on Japanese Young Adults

Influence of school education and advice received at home in the past on current food safety perceptions

The perception of food safety is one of the influencing factors for the decision-making process in food choice. Using binary logistic regression analysis, this study examines the association between current food safety perceptions (considering two topics: food additives and pesticide residues) among Japanese young adults and school education and advice received at home in the past along with consideration of other factors that may have influenced current food safety perceptions. The results of a large-scale survey (N = 1,200, representative of the population aged 18–39) suggest that what was taught at school and home in the past could influence the current perceptions of both genders. School education has contributed to positive and negative perceptions of the safety of additives and pesticides. Advice from the family seemed to foster more negative than positive perceptions. To develop sound food safety perceptions, it may be essential to provide adequate knowledge about food safety and eliminate misleading information in childhood education. Considering that everyone can become an instructor for the next generation, it is necessary to strengthen consumers’ scientific knowledge and information literacy.

Rising Trends of Endoscopic Barrett's Esophagus and Gastric Fundic Gland Polyps in Young Japanese Adults.

This study examined changes in the esophageal-gastric junction and gastric mucosa in young Japanese adults undergoing endoscopy in the last 15 years. This was a retrospective study of young Japanese adults (aged 19-30 years) who underwent esophagogastrod uodenoscopy between 2006 and 2020. The indications were upper gastrointestinal symptoms and anemia. Changes in the appearance of the esophago-gastric junction (i.e., the Z line and distal esophagitis) and gastric mucosa were examined. Endoscopic Barrett's esophagus was defined using the Japanese criteria. One thousand eight hundred forty-five patients were examined: 848 from 2006 to 2012 [400 males, mean age 26.5 years (range 19-30)] and 997 from 2013 to 2020 [433 males, mean age 26.2 years (range 19-30)]. The proportion showing endoscopic Barrett's esophagus and gastric fundic gland polyps increased significantly between the 2 periods (12.5% vs. 22.4%, P < .001; 3.4% vs. 7.2%, P < .001) with a significant correlation between the prevalence trends for endoscopic Barrett's esophagus and gastric fundic gland polyps (r = 0.789, P = .0008). Pathological examination showed that the prevalence of traditional fundic gland polyps unrelated to the use of proton pump inhibitors significantly increased from 40% (4/10) to 81% (25/31) between the 2 periods (P = .04). The prevalence of both endoscopic Barrett's esophagus and gastric fundic gland polyps among young Japanese adults significantly increased in the last 15 years. The trend in endoscopic Barrett's esophagus was significantly correlated with that of nonproton pump inhibitor-related gastric fundic gland polyps.