Enormous Earthquake in Japan: Coping with Stress Using Purpose-in-Life/Ikigai

Abstract

Every person has a will to achieve meaning and purpose in life (PIL)/ikigai. According to previous studies, PIL/ikigai provides people with the ability to integrate stressful psychological events from the past, present, and future with less conflict or confusion. This ability results in decreased anxiety and lower sympathetic nervous system activity during psychological and physical stressful situations. PIL/ikigai develops by positive experiences in one's life such as experiencing sympathetic listening by others and being affected by persons and/or events. Overall, evidence shows that PIL/ikigai is an effective technique for coping with stress and helped many people cope with the enormous earthquake that occurred in Japan in March 2011.

Purpose in Life (<i>Ikigai</i>), a Frontal Lobe Function, Is a Natural

“…PIL/ikigai also decreases psychiatric/somatic symptoms that occur in stressful societies (Ishida & Okada, 2006). This effective technique of coping with stress in PIL/ikigai, in turn, influences the immune function and decreases the mortality risk (e.g., Kremer & Ironson, 2009); previous studies related to these findings were supported by R. Ishida (2011). Furthermore persons with PIL/ikigai have traits such as the ability to delay gratification, appreciate another's point of view, trust in a higher power, accept personal limitations, or count personal blessings (Kamiya, 2004;Frankl, 1972aFrankl, , 1972bFrankl, , 1975.…”

“…Every person has a need for a meaningful life (Goto & Kamada, 1960;Kida, 2006;Komatsu, 2009;Takagi, Ozawa, Atsumi, & Kindaichi, 1959)." Now, here, and ambition are considered important in PIL/ikigai (R. Ishida, 2011;Ofman, 1980). Our studies show that PIL/ikigai provides people with the ability to integrate stressful psychological events from the past, present, and future with less conflict or confusion (R. Ishida, 2008a;R.…”

“…Ishida, 2008b;R. Ishida, 2011;Ishida & Okada, 2006;Ishida & Okada, 2011a;Ishida & Okada, 2011b;Ishida & Okada, 2011c;Ishida, Okada, & Bando, 2004a;Ishida, Okada, & Bando, 2004b).…”

Proposal to Prevent Alcohol Dependence Using Purpose in Life/<i>Ikigai</i> to Mimic the Chemical Effects of <i>β</i>-Endorphin

“…PIL is drawn from existentialism that was developed in Europe (Ishida, 2011). Ikigai is a Japanese concept that dates back to the 14th century (Ishida, 2011).…”

“…Recently, two social attitudes, purpose in life (PIL) and ikigai, have been found to be related to ambition, comfort, pleasure and decreased anxiety even during various kinds of stressful situations (e.g., Ishida, 2008;Ishida, 2011Ishida, , 2012Ishida, Okada, & Bando, 2004). Drinking alcohol also causes comfort and pleasure and decreased anxiety (Dalayeun, Norès, & Bergal, 1993).…”