2015 Volume 18 Issue 2 Pages 147-152
[Purpose]
The purpose of this study was to validate the efficacy of the use of controlled breathing, cognitive bias modification, and interpersonal trust in educational programs in order to mitigate the psychological impact of disasters on fifth and sixth grade elementary school students.
[Methods]
The program participants were 225 students from the 5th and 6th grades of an elementary school in Japan. Pre- and post-tests were performed to evaluate their perceptions regarding the efficacy of controlled breathing, their cognitive bias modification, and interpersonal trust.
[Results]
In the post-test, controlled breathing was found to influence cognitive bias modification. Additionally, cognitive bias modification was found to affect interpersonal trust. Moreover, interpersonal relationships of trust were also found to affect cognitive bias modification and the efficacy of controlled breathing.
[Discussion]
The results suggest that the technique of breathing with self-control promotes cognitive bias modification by facilitating the self-control of cognitive aspects. Further, cognitive modification also contributed to interpersonal trust. Moreover, enhancing interpersonal trust influences cognitive bias modification and controlled breathing. Thus, the present study provides support for the validity of the program.
