Abstract
This research studied the structure of “Ibasho” (sense of own place) among upper elementary school children, from the perspectives of psychology and education. It examined gender differences and developmental changes in “Ibasho,” and the main results were as follows. First, statistical analyses yielded four factors: “Sense of Perceived Acceptance,” “Sense of Fulfillment,” “Sense of Self-Affirmation,” and “Sense of Relief.” The hypothesis from the field of education that “Sense of Fulfillment” and “Sense of Self-Affirmation” would represent one aspect of “Ibasho” was supported. In addition, one aspect of “Ibasho” that had been found in a previous study of adolescents (“Sense of Authenticity”) was not identified by the present study. It is possible that “Sense of Authenticity” is not yet an important element of “Ibasho” prior to adolescence. Second, 4th graders felt more “Sense of Perceived Acceptance” and “Sense of Self- Affirmation” than did 5th and 6th graders, and felt more “Sense of Relief” than did 5th graders. Third, girls felt more “Sense of Perceived Acceptance” and “Sense of Relief” than did boys.
