Decreasing Anxiety in Stutterers through the Association between “Purpose in Life/Ikigai” and Emotions

Abstract

The prefrontal lobe is more evolved in humans than in other mammals. The functioning of human prefrontal lobes promotes an innate need to establish a meaningful life, often referred to as “Purpose in life (PIL)/ikigai.” PIL/ikigai and the prefrontal lobe psychologically and physiologically, respectively, shape ambition, regulate the development of emotions and integrate psychological events. PIL/ikigai contributes to both a reduction in the anxiety caused by a need for approval from others and the stimulation of pleasure and comfort, which may be related to the well-balanced secretion of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and β-endorphin. Thus, if a stutterer aware that articulate speech is advantageous in communication feels a need for social desirability (SD) based on a need for approval from others, they may develop stress and anxiety caused by their perceived failure when engaging in conversations. This feeling of failure may be related to an imbalanced secretion of serotonin and dopamine. Therefore, previous work has suggested that PIL/ikigai may reduce anxiety in stutterers who seek SD by reducing the symptoms associated with stuttering.

An analysis of structural relationship among achievement motive on social participation, purpose in life, and role expectations among community dwelling elderly attending day services

“…The result indicated that achievement motive had greater effects on the support-related purpose in life for elderly persons than on social participation and role expectation. In previous studies, purpose in life has been associated with well-being and life satisfaction ( Bronk et al, 2009 ; Ryff, 1989 ; Ryff & Keyes, 1995 ), and has had an effect on restraining mortality risk, anxiety, and stress ( Boyle et al, 2009 ; Ishida, 2012 ). Also, purpose in life is future-orientated and goal-orientated ( Bronk et al, 2009 ), and involves the individual’s intention to achieve something ( Demura & Sato, 2006 ; Nomura, 2005 ); therefore, enhancing purpose in life may be the goal for the rehabilitation of elderly persons.…”

The Turkish version of the İkigai-9 Scale: A validity and reliability study

“…The phrase "purpose of life" originates in 19th century European existential philosophy. İkigai, as a term, traces back to 14th century Japan [6,7]. Both purpose in life and İkigai are psychologically related to purpose and ambition in life.…”

How is the problematic smartphone use affected by social support? A research model supported by the mediation of Ikigai

“…The quality of social relations and support mechanisms have an impact on behaviors (Hunter et al, 2019 ; Labrague, 2021 ). Many studies have focused on factors such as social support and ikigai, predicting their positive impact on negative behaviors (Callaghan & Morrissey, 1993 ; Ghaderi Rammazi et al, 2018 ; Ishida, 2012b ; Kaplan et al, 1977 ; Schwarzer & Leppin, 2016; Seko & Hirano, 2021 ; Steger & Kashdan, 2009 ). The role of social support as preventive and protective is important in terms of social and behavioral problems (Schwarzer & Leppin, 1991 ).…”