In this study we sought to demonstrate the reliability and validity of the Japanese Herth Hope Index (HHI) 12, a psychometric instrument for measuring hope, in a general urban population, and to investigate factors correlated with the HHI score. Anonymous written surveys were collected from 255 male and female residents living in Tokyo "N" ward and Saitama "T" township aged 20-69. The Cronbach a coefficient was 0.89, and confirmatory factor analysis showed three-dimensionality. We also observed hope to strongly correlate with having reasons for living and benefit-finding, confirming the reliability and validity of the Japanese HHI scale. Mean HHI score was 35.5. Stratified multi ple linear regression analysis on factors which correlated with the HHI score showed HHI scores to correlate positive with age, the presence of a spouse, and sufficient psychosocial support. We also found that younger subjects receiving sufficient social support enjoyed HHI scores equivalent to older subjects, while women's higher HHI scores appeared attributable to extensive social support networks. No correlation was observed with adverse experiences or history of illness. This study shows that HHI scores in the general urban population are not unexpectedly high compared with pre viously studied subjects with serious disease, that advanced age correlates with higher HHI scores, and that receipt of social support may mediate positive influences on the HHI score.
logical well-being are feasible, and participants'perceived 'intention to act' and 'self-efficacy beliefs'were important exposures that influenced outcome. Further evaluation of the effectiveness of web based stress management programs requires controlled trials using larger samples with more varied demographics and investigation of program efficacy in longer-term follow-up.
The Effects of Pre-Entry Career Maturity a n d S u p p o r t N e t w o r k s i n Wo r k p l a c e o nNewcomers' Mental Health: Kaoru KAWAI, et al. Department of Health Sociology, School of Health Science and Nursing, The University of Tokyo-The present study examined the effects of pre-entry experiences (i.e. career maturity), as well as support networks (i.e. informational and friendship), on newcomers' mental health (i.e. depression, selfesteem, psychosomatic symptoms, and work motivation). We performed a longitudinal study of 890 men and women who first entered the workplace in 2003. Surveys were distributed at two time points: just prior to entering the workplace, and two months after entering. Results indicated that career maturity related positively to newcomers' mental health, and newcomers with high career maturity were more successful in establishing positive relationships with superiors and co-workers. Although, informational support networks positively related to work motivation, friendship networks did not show any direct effects on mental health. These results underscore the crucial roles of career maturity and informational networks in facilitating the transition to the workplace. The results also provide empirical support for an expanded view of the importance of pre-entry experiences to workplace newcomers' mental health. (J Occup Health 2006; 48: 451-461)
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