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

Abstract

Stress can cause anxiety that creates imbalances in the autonomic nervous system and internal secretions leading to mental and somatic disease. Purpose in life (PIL) and ikigai (two social attitudes) help individuals to integrate psychological events and effectively cope with stress. PIL/ikigai provides an intrinsic motivation and is thought to develop primarily during adolescence. There is a correlation with such positive experiences as spending time in beautiful natural surroundings and exposure to warm human relationships at various developmental stages. PIL/ikigai is a physiological frontal lobe function. Adolescence is a critical period of development for PIL/ikigai and neuronal connections are strengthened by secretion of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and β-endorphin. We propose that there is an important physiologic role of PIL/ikigai and that critical periods of brain development influence development of PIL/ikigai.

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

“…Some psychological instruments for the measurement of PIL and ikigai have been developed (e.g., Crumbaugh & Maholick, 1964;Sato & Tanaka, 1974). Our studies show that PIL/ikigai negatively correlates with anxiety, psychiatric and somatic symptoms, and the need for approval from others (Ishida, 2011;Ishida, 2012). PIL/ikigai form a mechanism for the integration of psychologically stressful events in the past, present and future with less anxiety and less conflicts even during stressful situations (Ishida, 2011;Ishida, 2012).…”

“…Our studies show that PIL/ikigai negatively correlates with anxiety, psychiatric and somatic symptoms, and the need for approval from others (Ishida, 2011;Ishida, 2012). PIL/ikigai form a mechanism for the integration of psychologically stressful events in the past, present and future with less anxiety and less conflicts even during stressful situations (Ishida, 2011;Ishida, 2012). Additionally, PIL/ikigai provides a person with the ability to delay gratification, appreciate another's point of view, trust in a higher power, accept personal limitations, or count personal blessings (Ishida, 2011;Ishida, 2012).…”

“…The prefrontal lobe connects with other areas of the brain via neuronal networks (Brodal, 1998;Brown, Keynes, & Lumsden, 2001) and plays a role in ambition and mental integration functions (Brodal, 1998;Brown, Keynes, & Lumsden, 2001). Therefore, PIL/ikigai is thought to be a frontal lobe function (Ishida, 2012). In addition to internal need, repeated environmental stimulation strengthens the neuronal network (Mathon, Kamal, Smidt, & Ramakers, 2003).…”

“…Drinking alcohol also causes comfort and pleasure and decreased anxiety (Dalayeun, Norès, & Bergal, 1993). PIL/ikigai (Ishida, 2012) and drinking alcohol (Dalayeun, Norès, & Bergal, 1993) are both accompanied by the secretion of β-endorphin.…”

“…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).…”