Relationships Among Emotions toward Friends, Attitudes toward Kyara, and Kyara-Related Stress in Elementary and Junior High School Students

Abstract

This study examined differences in perceptions of kyara and stress related to its maintenance among elementary and junior high school students. Kyara is a shortened form of the Japanese pronunciation of the English word character. The study also investigated the influence of emotions toward friends and attitudes toward kyara on kyara-related stress. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 1,141 students. The results indicated three key findings. First, while many fourth graders were unfamiliar with kyara, the majority of ninth graders recognized it, suggesting increased awareness with age. Second, junior high school students demonstrated a stronger awareness of both the benefits and drawbacks of kyara and reported higher levels of stress associated with its maintenance compared to elementary school students. Third, regardless of school level, greater trust in friends was linked to recognition of kyara’s benefits and lower levels of stress, whereas higher levels of anxiety toward friends were associated with increased perception of kyara’s drawbacks and greater stress. These findings indicate that kyara’s impact can be either positive or negative depending on interpersonal emotions. When addressing kyara among students, attention should be given to the friendships in which it is being practiced.

【Research Impacts】

This study clarified the recognition and use of kyara among elementary and junior high school students and demonstrated that stress related to its maintenance is higher among junior high students. It also found that emotions toward friends influence attitudes toward kyara and kyara-related stress, suggesting that addressing kyara should focus less on its intrinsic value and more on the nature of the friendships in which it is involved.