Jerome Young - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Jerome Young

Transcultural Psychiatry, 2000

ADELSON, NAOMI, see KIRMAYER, LAURENCE J. ARAKAKI, MASA, see STRELTZER, JON ARANA, BELITO, see BO... more ADELSON, NAOMI, see KIRMAYER, LAURENCE J. ARAKAKI, MASA, see STRELTZER, JON ARANA, BELITO, see BONANDER, JASON ASAI, MASAHIRO, see ONO, YUTAKA ATLANI, LÄETITIA, The Politics of Culture in Humanitarian Aid to Women Refugees who have Experienced Sexual Violence, 3, 435–449 AUERBACH, JUDITH G., ESTHER GOLDSTEIN AND SALMAN ELBEDOUR, Behavior Problems in Bedouin Elementary Schoolchildren, 2, 229–241 BAGILISHYA, DÉOGRATIAS, Mourning and Recovery from ...

In this paper it is argued that the inherent musical nature of the English language lends itself ... more In this paper it is argued that the inherent musical nature of the English language lends itself to intriguing classroom activities which, when implemented, can help English as a Second Language learners acquire a sense of the natural intonation and rhythm of English. The underlying logic of a person's first language can have a profound effect on how that person speaks English as a second language, especially when the two languages have dramatically different rhythmical logics, as Japanese and English do. English language education in Japan tends to emphasize grammar and translation, with the intention of helping students pass standardized written exams, and does little to help students learn to speak in English. This situation can be amelioraated, it is argued, by getting students actively and creatively involved in the music of English. During the autumn term of 2008, we conducted an experimental class at Keio University with the goal of getting students engaged in creative activities, some physical (singing), some cerebral (potry writing), some a little of both (song writing), in order to strengthen their communicative sense of the natural rhythm of spoken English. Notes 調査・実践報告 Genre Departmental Bulletin Paper URL https://koara.lib.keio.ac.jp/xoonips/modules/xoonips/detail.php?koara_id=AA120 43414-20090000-0001

精神神經學雜誌 = Psychiatria et neurologia Japonica, Aug 25, 2003

This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this p... more This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this philosophical orientation influences the Japanese view of mental illness. An analysis of key Japanese words will demonstrate that traditionally the Japanese have viewed the mind and body as inextricably intertwined and that this interconnectedness extends to the Japanese self conceptualization. It is argued that this Japanese value orientation sheds light on the stigma associated with mental illness and equally helps to explain the Japanese tendency to somatisize psychological distress. Because "mental" illness is perceived as a character weakness, "somatic talk" becomes a culturally coded idiom of distress providing the Japanese with a culturally acceptable way to influence the behavior of others while at the same time avoiding being labeled with a psychiatric disorder. Somatization in Japan, then, can be understood as an inherently ethical event that has more to do with morals than medicine.

慶應義塾大学日吉紀要. 英語英米文学, 2019

This paper is a summation of an experiment conducted with an Intensive English class at Keio Univ... more This paper is a summation of an experiment conducted with an Intensive English class at Keio University in the autumn semester 2017. The goal of the experiment was to show that it is possible to take Carolyn Graham's method 2) of using music to teach English and extend it to a more abstract demanding topic, poetry. The experiment was filmed at the end of 2017, and, in February 2018, the results were presented with step-by-step video data to demonstrate how this method would work in the context of poetry, and how it could be utilized to foster poetic understandings among students. Poetry is seen as an archaic topic, one off the beaten path of a university student's normal education, particularly education involving second language acquisition. Though poetry may seem like an obtuse subject best left alone, what we show here is that it can be an important tool in helping students to get a sense of the natural rhythm of English and acquire deeper understandings and appreciation for poetry. The goal of the experiment was to see if this simple method (of clapping out a beat while vocalizing a poem) could make the learning of poetry fun and enjoyable while at the same time promoting the pedagogically useful goal of getting 98 students acclimated to the natural rhythm of spoken English.

Transcultural Psychiatry, Jun 1, 2000

To investigate the prevalence rates and characteristics of poorly explained or unexplained somati... more To investigate the prevalence rates and characteristics of poorly explained or unexplained somatic symptoms in the general population of Japan, questionnaires were administered to 132 people aged 18 years or older in a small community in the city of Kofu. The participants were then interviewed by trained interviewers using a semi-structured interview schedule.

Bioethics, Sep 1, 2002

In this paper, I argue that within the Japanese social context, the act of suicide is a positive ... more In this paper, I argue that within the Japanese social context, the act of suicide is a positive moral act because the values underpinning it are directly related to a socially pervasive moral belief that any act of selfsacrifice is a worthy pursuit. The philosophical basis for this view of the self and its relation to society goes back to the writings of Confucius who advocated a life of propriety in which being dutiful, obedient, and loyal to one's group takes precedence over the desires of the individual selves that make up the group. I argue that this philosophical perspective poses formidable challenges to Japanese psychiatry (which accepts a contrary western perspective) because, as western psychiatry is based on the concept of autonomous individuality, the Japanese conceive of the self as socially embedded. Because suicide in Japan is viewed as a potentially honorable, virtuous, and even beautiful act of self-sacrifice expressing one's duty to one's group, the western perspective is quite foreign to the Japanese selfconceptual framework. Therefore, since Japanese psychiatry and law have embraced the western medical tradition of viewing suicide as a nonrational response to mental illness, which runs counter to the cultural view that suicide is a moral (and rational) act, I argue that western explanations of suicide present significant cross-cultural problems for Japanese psychiatry.

PubMed, 2003

This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this p... more This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this philosophical orientation influences the Japanese view of mental illness. An analysis of key Japanese words will demonstrate that traditionally the Japanese have viewed the mind and body as inextricably intertwined and that this interconnectedness extends to the Japanese self conceptualization. It is argued that this Japanese value orientation sheds light on the stigma associated with mental illness and equally helps to explain the Japanese tendency to somatisize psychological distress. Because "mental" illness is perceived as a character weakness, "somatic talk" becomes a culturally coded idiom of distress providing the Japanese with a culturally acceptable way to influence the behavior of others while at the same time avoiding being labeled with a psychiatric disorder. Somatization in Japan, then, can be understood as an inherently ethical event that has more to do with morals than medicine.

Social Science Research Network, Dec 12, 2003

In this paper, I argue that within the Japanese social context, the act of suicide is a positive ... more In this paper, I argue that within the Japanese social context, the act of suicide is a positive moral act because the values underpinning it are directly related to a socially pervasive moral belief that any act of selfsacrifice is a worthy pursuit. The philosophical basis for this view of the self and its relation to society goes back to the writings of Confucius who advocated a life of propriety in which being dutiful, obedient, and loyal to one's group takes precedence over the desires of the individual selves that make up the group. I argue that this philosophical perspective poses formidable challenges to Japanese psychiatry (which accepts a contrary western perspective) because, as western psychiatry is based on the concept of autonomous individuality, the Japanese conceive of the self as socially embedded. Because suicide in Japan is viewed as a potentially honorable, virtuous, and even beautiful act of self-sacrifice expressing one's duty to one's group, the western perspective is quite foreign to the Japanese selfconceptual framework. Therefore, since Japanese psychiatry and law have embraced the western medical tradition of viewing suicide as a nonrational response to mental illness, which runs counter to the cultural view that suicide is a moral (and rational) act, I argue that western explanations of suicide present significant cross-cultural problems for Japanese psychiatry.

Transcultural Psychiatry, Dec 1, 2001

We report the first community epidemiological study of taijin kyofusho in Japan. A total of 132 i... more We report the first community epidemiological study of taijin kyofusho in Japan. A total of 132 inhabitants in a small community in the city of Kofu, Japan, was interviewed by trained interviewers using a semistructured interview, and completed self-report questionnaires. Of these respondents, nine (6.8%) reported ‘ taijin kyofu’ symptoms, eight of whom reported having specific concerns about strong body odor although the ‘ taijin kyofu’ symptoms were not serious enough to meet the criteria of a mental disorder. Although taijin kyofusho has traditionally been viewed as a disorder of young males, our cases were older and predominantly female. Although this sample was small and drawn from only one community, and we had no control group, our findings seem to support the view that some psychiatric symptoms are influenced by socio-cultural factors and that the symptoms of taijin kyofu are likely to be found in the general population of Japan.

精神神經學雜誌 = Psychiatria et neurologia Japonica, Aug 25, 2003

This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this p... more This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this philosophical orientation influences the Japanese view of mental illness. An analysis of key Japanese words will demonstrate that traditionally the Japanese have viewed the mind and body as inextricably intertwined and that this interconnectedness extends to the Japanese self conceptualization. It is argued that this Japanese value orientation sheds light on the stigma associated with mental illness and equally helps to explain the Japanese tendency to somatisize psychological distress. Because "mental" illness is perceived as a character weakness, "somatic talk" becomes a culturally coded idiom of distress providing the Japanese with a culturally acceptable way to influence the behavior of others while at the same time avoiding being labeled with a psychiatric disorder. Somatization in Japan, then, can be understood as an inherently ethical event that has more to do with morals than medicine.

Seishin shinkeigaku zasshi = Psychiatria et neurologia Japonica, 2003

This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this p... more This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this philosophical orientation influences the Japanese view of mental illness. An analysis of key Japanese words will demonstrate that traditionally the Japanese have viewed the mind and body as inextricably intertwined and that this interconnectedness extends to the Japanese self conceptualization. It is argued that this Japanese value orientation sheds light on the stigma associated with mental illness and equally helps to explain the Japanese tendency to somatisize psychological distress. Because "mental" illness is perceived as a character weakness, "somatic talk" becomes a culturally coded idiom of distress providing the Japanese with a culturally acceptable way to influence the behavior of others while at the same time avoiding being labeled with a psychiatric disorder. Somatization in Japan, then, can be understood as an inherently ethical event that has more to do w...

In this paper it is argued that the inherent musical nature of the English language lends itself ... more In this paper it is argued that the inherent musical nature of the English language lends itself to intriguing classroom activities which, when implemented, can help English as a Second Language learners acquire a sense of the natural intonation and rhythm of English. The underlying logic of a person’s first language can have a profound effect on how that person speaks English as a second language, especially when the two languages have dramatically different rhythmical logics, as Japanese and English do. English language education in Japan tends to emphasize grammar and translation, with the intention of helping students pass standardized written exams, and does little to help students learn to speak in English. This situation can be ameliorated, it is argued, by getting students actively and creatively involved in the music of English. During the autumn term of 2008, we conducted an experimental class at Keio University with the goal of getting students engaged in creative activit...

Transcultural Psychiatry, 2000

To investigate the prevalence rates and characteristics of poorly explained or unexplained somati... more To investigate the prevalence rates and characteristics of poorly explained or unexplained somatic symptoms in the general population of Japan, questionnaires were administered to 132 people aged 18 years or older in a small community in the city of Kofu. The participants were then interviewed by trained interviewers using a semi-structured interview schedule. Of the 132 participants in our study, 55 (41%) reported somatic symptoms. Of these 55, nine (16%) were diagnosed with a specific DSM-IV somatoform disorder. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the number of poorly explained symptoms among women was related to the respondent’s score on Neuroticism. These data suggest that poorly explained or unexplained somatic symptoms are related to personality characteristics. Moreover, our analysis also revealed a gender difference in the pattern of these relationships. None of the respondents who reported medically unexplained somatic symptoms had sought psychiatric care.

Transcultural Psychiatry, 2001

We report the first community epidemiological study of taijin kyofusho in Japan. A total of 132 i... more We report the first community epidemiological study of taijin kyofusho in Japan. A total of 132 inhabitants in a small community in the city of Kofu, Japan, was interviewed by trained interviewers using a semistructured interview, and completed self-report questionnaires. Of these respondents, nine (6.8%) reported ‘ taijin kyofu’ symptoms, eight of whom reported having specific concerns about strong body odor although the ‘ taijin kyofu’ symptoms were not serious enough to meet the criteria of a mental disorder. Although taijin kyofusho has traditionally been viewed as a disorder of young males, our cases were older and predominantly female. Although this sample was small and drawn from only one community, and we had no control group, our findings seem to support the view that some psychiatric symptoms are influenced by socio-cultural factors and that the symptoms of taijin kyofu are likely to be found in the general population of Japan.

Seishin shinkeigaku zasshi = Psychiatria et neurologia Japonica, 2003

This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this p... more This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this philosophical orientation influences the Japanese view of mental illness. An analysis of key Japanese words will demonstrate that traditionally the Japanese have viewed the mind and body as inextricably intertwined and that this interconnectedness extends to the Japanese self conceptualization. It is argued that this Japanese value orientation sheds light on the stigma associated with mental illness and equally helps to explain the Japanese tendency to somatisize psychological distress. Because "mental" illness is perceived as a character weakness, "somatic talk" becomes a culturally coded idiom of distress providing the Japanese with a culturally acceptable way to influence the behavior of others while at the same time avoiding being labeled with a psychiatric disorder. Somatization in Japan, then, can be understood as an inherently ethical event that has more to do w...

Transcultural Psychiatry, 2000

ADELSON, NAOMI, see KIRMAYER, LAURENCE J. ARAKAKI, MASA, see STRELTZER, JON ARANA, BELITO, see BO... more ADELSON, NAOMI, see KIRMAYER, LAURENCE J. ARAKAKI, MASA, see STRELTZER, JON ARANA, BELITO, see BONANDER, JASON ASAI, MASAHIRO, see ONO, YUTAKA ATLANI, LÄETITIA, The Politics of Culture in Humanitarian Aid to Women Refugees who have Experienced Sexual Violence, 3, 435–449 AUERBACH, JUDITH G., ESTHER GOLDSTEIN AND SALMAN ELBEDOUR, Behavior Problems in Bedouin Elementary Schoolchildren, 2, 229–241 BAGILISHYA, DÉOGRATIAS, Mourning and Recovery from ...

In this paper it is argued that the inherent musical nature of the English language lends itself ... more In this paper it is argued that the inherent musical nature of the English language lends itself to intriguing classroom activities which, when implemented, can help English as a Second Language learners acquire a sense of the natural intonation and rhythm of English. The underlying logic of a person's first language can have a profound effect on how that person speaks English as a second language, especially when the two languages have dramatically different rhythmical logics, as Japanese and English do. English language education in Japan tends to emphasize grammar and translation, with the intention of helping students pass standardized written exams, and does little to help students learn to speak in English. This situation can be amelioraated, it is argued, by getting students actively and creatively involved in the music of English. During the autumn term of 2008, we conducted an experimental class at Keio University with the goal of getting students engaged in creative activities, some physical (singing), some cerebral (potry writing), some a little of both (song writing), in order to strengthen their communicative sense of the natural rhythm of spoken English. Notes 調査・実践報告 Genre Departmental Bulletin Paper URL https://koara.lib.keio.ac.jp/xoonips/modules/xoonips/detail.php?koara_id=AA120 43414-20090000-0001

精神神經學雜誌 = Psychiatria et neurologia Japonica, Aug 25, 2003

This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this p... more This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this philosophical orientation influences the Japanese view of mental illness. An analysis of key Japanese words will demonstrate that traditionally the Japanese have viewed the mind and body as inextricably intertwined and that this interconnectedness extends to the Japanese self conceptualization. It is argued that this Japanese value orientation sheds light on the stigma associated with mental illness and equally helps to explain the Japanese tendency to somatisize psychological distress. Because "mental" illness is perceived as a character weakness, "somatic talk" becomes a culturally coded idiom of distress providing the Japanese with a culturally acceptable way to influence the behavior of others while at the same time avoiding being labeled with a psychiatric disorder. Somatization in Japan, then, can be understood as an inherently ethical event that has more to do with morals than medicine.

慶應義塾大学日吉紀要. 英語英米文学, 2019

This paper is a summation of an experiment conducted with an Intensive English class at Keio Univ... more This paper is a summation of an experiment conducted with an Intensive English class at Keio University in the autumn semester 2017. The goal of the experiment was to show that it is possible to take Carolyn Graham's method 2) of using music to teach English and extend it to a more abstract demanding topic, poetry. The experiment was filmed at the end of 2017, and, in February 2018, the results were presented with step-by-step video data to demonstrate how this method would work in the context of poetry, and how it could be utilized to foster poetic understandings among students. Poetry is seen as an archaic topic, one off the beaten path of a university student's normal education, particularly education involving second language acquisition. Though poetry may seem like an obtuse subject best left alone, what we show here is that it can be an important tool in helping students to get a sense of the natural rhythm of English and acquire deeper understandings and appreciation for poetry. The goal of the experiment was to see if this simple method (of clapping out a beat while vocalizing a poem) could make the learning of poetry fun and enjoyable while at the same time promoting the pedagogically useful goal of getting 98 students acclimated to the natural rhythm of spoken English.

Transcultural Psychiatry, Jun 1, 2000

To investigate the prevalence rates and characteristics of poorly explained or unexplained somati... more To investigate the prevalence rates and characteristics of poorly explained or unexplained somatic symptoms in the general population of Japan, questionnaires were administered to 132 people aged 18 years or older in a small community in the city of Kofu. The participants were then interviewed by trained interviewers using a semi-structured interview schedule.

Bioethics, Sep 1, 2002

In this paper, I argue that within the Japanese social context, the act of suicide is a positive ... more In this paper, I argue that within the Japanese social context, the act of suicide is a positive moral act because the values underpinning it are directly related to a socially pervasive moral belief that any act of selfsacrifice is a worthy pursuit. The philosophical basis for this view of the self and its relation to society goes back to the writings of Confucius who advocated a life of propriety in which being dutiful, obedient, and loyal to one's group takes precedence over the desires of the individual selves that make up the group. I argue that this philosophical perspective poses formidable challenges to Japanese psychiatry (which accepts a contrary western perspective) because, as western psychiatry is based on the concept of autonomous individuality, the Japanese conceive of the self as socially embedded. Because suicide in Japan is viewed as a potentially honorable, virtuous, and even beautiful act of self-sacrifice expressing one's duty to one's group, the western perspective is quite foreign to the Japanese selfconceptual framework. Therefore, since Japanese psychiatry and law have embraced the western medical tradition of viewing suicide as a nonrational response to mental illness, which runs counter to the cultural view that suicide is a moral (and rational) act, I argue that western explanations of suicide present significant cross-cultural problems for Japanese psychiatry.

PubMed, 2003

This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this p... more This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this philosophical orientation influences the Japanese view of mental illness. An analysis of key Japanese words will demonstrate that traditionally the Japanese have viewed the mind and body as inextricably intertwined and that this interconnectedness extends to the Japanese self conceptualization. It is argued that this Japanese value orientation sheds light on the stigma associated with mental illness and equally helps to explain the Japanese tendency to somatisize psychological distress. Because "mental" illness is perceived as a character weakness, "somatic talk" becomes a culturally coded idiom of distress providing the Japanese with a culturally acceptable way to influence the behavior of others while at the same time avoiding being labeled with a psychiatric disorder. Somatization in Japan, then, can be understood as an inherently ethical event that has more to do with morals than medicine.

Social Science Research Network, Dec 12, 2003

In this paper, I argue that within the Japanese social context, the act of suicide is a positive ... more In this paper, I argue that within the Japanese social context, the act of suicide is a positive moral act because the values underpinning it are directly related to a socially pervasive moral belief that any act of selfsacrifice is a worthy pursuit. The philosophical basis for this view of the self and its relation to society goes back to the writings of Confucius who advocated a life of propriety in which being dutiful, obedient, and loyal to one's group takes precedence over the desires of the individual selves that make up the group. I argue that this philosophical perspective poses formidable challenges to Japanese psychiatry (which accepts a contrary western perspective) because, as western psychiatry is based on the concept of autonomous individuality, the Japanese conceive of the self as socially embedded. Because suicide in Japan is viewed as a potentially honorable, virtuous, and even beautiful act of self-sacrifice expressing one's duty to one's group, the western perspective is quite foreign to the Japanese selfconceptual framework. Therefore, since Japanese psychiatry and law have embraced the western medical tradition of viewing suicide as a nonrational response to mental illness, which runs counter to the cultural view that suicide is a moral (and rational) act, I argue that western explanations of suicide present significant cross-cultural problems for Japanese psychiatry.

Transcultural Psychiatry, Dec 1, 2001

We report the first community epidemiological study of taijin kyofusho in Japan. A total of 132 i... more We report the first community epidemiological study of taijin kyofusho in Japan. A total of 132 inhabitants in a small community in the city of Kofu, Japan, was interviewed by trained interviewers using a semistructured interview, and completed self-report questionnaires. Of these respondents, nine (6.8%) reported ‘ taijin kyofu’ symptoms, eight of whom reported having specific concerns about strong body odor although the ‘ taijin kyofu’ symptoms were not serious enough to meet the criteria of a mental disorder. Although taijin kyofusho has traditionally been viewed as a disorder of young males, our cases were older and predominantly female. Although this sample was small and drawn from only one community, and we had no control group, our findings seem to support the view that some psychiatric symptoms are influenced by socio-cultural factors and that the symptoms of taijin kyofu are likely to be found in the general population of Japan.

精神神經學雜誌 = Psychiatria et neurologia Japonica, Aug 25, 2003

This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this p... more This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this philosophical orientation influences the Japanese view of mental illness. An analysis of key Japanese words will demonstrate that traditionally the Japanese have viewed the mind and body as inextricably intertwined and that this interconnectedness extends to the Japanese self conceptualization. It is argued that this Japanese value orientation sheds light on the stigma associated with mental illness and equally helps to explain the Japanese tendency to somatisize psychological distress. Because "mental" illness is perceived as a character weakness, "somatic talk" becomes a culturally coded idiom of distress providing the Japanese with a culturally acceptable way to influence the behavior of others while at the same time avoiding being labeled with a psychiatric disorder. Somatization in Japan, then, can be understood as an inherently ethical event that has more to do with morals than medicine.

Seishin shinkeigaku zasshi = Psychiatria et neurologia Japonica, 2003

This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this p... more This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this philosophical orientation influences the Japanese view of mental illness. An analysis of key Japanese words will demonstrate that traditionally the Japanese have viewed the mind and body as inextricably intertwined and that this interconnectedness extends to the Japanese self conceptualization. It is argued that this Japanese value orientation sheds light on the stigma associated with mental illness and equally helps to explain the Japanese tendency to somatisize psychological distress. Because "mental" illness is perceived as a character weakness, "somatic talk" becomes a culturally coded idiom of distress providing the Japanese with a culturally acceptable way to influence the behavior of others while at the same time avoiding being labeled with a psychiatric disorder. Somatization in Japan, then, can be understood as an inherently ethical event that has more to do w...

In this paper it is argued that the inherent musical nature of the English language lends itself ... more In this paper it is argued that the inherent musical nature of the English language lends itself to intriguing classroom activities which, when implemented, can help English as a Second Language learners acquire a sense of the natural intonation and rhythm of English. The underlying logic of a person’s first language can have a profound effect on how that person speaks English as a second language, especially when the two languages have dramatically different rhythmical logics, as Japanese and English do. English language education in Japan tends to emphasize grammar and translation, with the intention of helping students pass standardized written exams, and does little to help students learn to speak in English. This situation can be ameliorated, it is argued, by getting students actively and creatively involved in the music of English. During the autumn term of 2008, we conducted an experimental class at Keio University with the goal of getting students engaged in creative activit...

Transcultural Psychiatry, 2000

To investigate the prevalence rates and characteristics of poorly explained or unexplained somati... more To investigate the prevalence rates and characteristics of poorly explained or unexplained somatic symptoms in the general population of Japan, questionnaires were administered to 132 people aged 18 years or older in a small community in the city of Kofu. The participants were then interviewed by trained interviewers using a semi-structured interview schedule. Of the 132 participants in our study, 55 (41%) reported somatic symptoms. Of these 55, nine (16%) were diagnosed with a specific DSM-IV somatoform disorder. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the number of poorly explained symptoms among women was related to the respondent’s score on Neuroticism. These data suggest that poorly explained or unexplained somatic symptoms are related to personality characteristics. Moreover, our analysis also revealed a gender difference in the pattern of these relationships. None of the respondents who reported medically unexplained somatic symptoms had sought psychiatric care.

Transcultural Psychiatry, 2001

We report the first community epidemiological study of taijin kyofusho in Japan. A total of 132 i... more We report the first community epidemiological study of taijin kyofusho in Japan. A total of 132 inhabitants in a small community in the city of Kofu, Japan, was interviewed by trained interviewers using a semistructured interview, and completed self-report questionnaires. Of these respondents, nine (6.8%) reported ‘ taijin kyofu’ symptoms, eight of whom reported having specific concerns about strong body odor although the ‘ taijin kyofu’ symptoms were not serious enough to meet the criteria of a mental disorder. Although taijin kyofusho has traditionally been viewed as a disorder of young males, our cases were older and predominantly female. Although this sample was small and drawn from only one community, and we had no control group, our findings seem to support the view that some psychiatric symptoms are influenced by socio-cultural factors and that the symptoms of taijin kyofu are likely to be found in the general population of Japan.

Seishin shinkeigaku zasshi = Psychiatria et neurologia Japonica, 2003

This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this p... more This paper examines Japanese mind-body concepts and attempts to tease out some of the ways this philosophical orientation influences the Japanese view of mental illness. An analysis of key Japanese words will demonstrate that traditionally the Japanese have viewed the mind and body as inextricably intertwined and that this interconnectedness extends to the Japanese self conceptualization. It is argued that this Japanese value orientation sheds light on the stigma associated with mental illness and equally helps to explain the Japanese tendency to somatisize psychological distress. Because "mental" illness is perceived as a character weakness, "somatic talk" becomes a culturally coded idiom of distress providing the Japanese with a culturally acceptable way to influence the behavior of others while at the same time avoiding being labeled with a psychiatric disorder. Somatization in Japan, then, can be understood as an inherently ethical event that has more to do w...