A previous study has shown that there is a statistical similarity between the evaluation of impressions of Japanese fonts and of tea beverage package design. Recent research indicates that readable font design is related to subjective fluency. Here, we tested the effects of similarity between the evaluation of impressions of font designs and of package designs, and font legibility, on aesthetic impressions of packaging, using the 16 pictures combining fonts and packaging from the previous study. Thirty-four participants were asked to rate each in terms of aesthetic impressions (Balance, Harmony, Beauty, and Preference) and font legibility. The results showed that the similarity between the evaluation of elements had a greater positive effect on consumers' evaluation of aesthetic impression of packaging by mediation of improving font legibility. In conclusion, our results indicate that similarity between the evaluation of elements, and font legibility may be important when evaluating aesthetic impressions of packaging.

No abstract

Previous findings regarding the effects of living in urban environments on residents' subjective well-being have been inconsistent. The present study developed a scale to measure the multifaceted nature of urban living environments and investigated the aspects of urban environments that enhance or reduce residents' life satisfaction. We conducted two online surveys in which adults living in urban or rural areas in Japan (1,000 participants for each survey) completed the Multifaceted Urban Living Environment Scale and the Life Satisfaction Scale. Results indicated that urban living environments are characterized by quality of facilities, life convenience, life unpleasantness, and easy accessibility to public transportation. Of importance, each of these aspects affected residents' life satisfaction differently. Specifically, the quality of facilities was positively associated with life satisfaction, whereas life convenience was negatively associated. However, life unpleasantness and easy accessibility to public transportation had no effect on life satisfaction. These results suggest that it is important to measure the multifaceted nature of urban living environments to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of urbanization on residents' subjective well-being.

This study examined whether perceived partner responsiveness in romantic relationships would moderate the association between communal orientation and subjective well-being. An online survey was conducted among 516 Japanese adults involved in romantic relationships. Participants first completed the Communal Orientation Scale and answered questions about their perceived partner responsiveness. Participants were then asked to recollect their experiences when they provided benefits to their partner in the past month and to indicate their feelings about these experiences. Finally, participants completed scales measuring subjective well-being (Life Satisfaction Scale and the PANAS). The results revealed a positive association between communal orientation and subjective well-being, observed only among those who perceived high partner responsiveness. Contrary to the hypotheses, moderated mediation effects of participants' felt authenticity and regret in providing benefits to their romantic partner were not found. These results suggest that communal orientation is more likely to be associated with one's well-being when individuals feel secure about their partner's responsiveness.

No abstract