Asian Journal of Human Services
Online ISSN : 2188-059X
Print ISSN : 2186-3350
ISSN-L : 2186-3350
Volume 27
Displaying 1-13 of 13 articles from this issue
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
  • Israa Burhanuddin ABDURRAHMAN, Duha Abdurrahman ISMAIL
    2024Volume 27 Pages 1-18
    Published: October 30, 2024
    Released on J-STAGE: October 30, 2024
    JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS
    Inspirational Autobiographical Success Stories of Racism (IASSR) refer to personal narratives that recount the experiences of individuals who have faced racism and discrimination but have managed to overcome these challenges and achieve success. Analyzing linguistic elements in these narratives can unveil the strategies used to navigate and overcome racial challenges, offering valuable insights into coping mechanisms and empowering narratives. The study aims to delve into verb choices, attitudes, and narrative processes within the story, seeking to unveil underlying structures, patterns, and characteristics. Accordingly, it is hypothesized that the IASSR follow a consistent structure of narration presented by Labov; positive attitudes predominate within IASSR narratives; action verbs are the most frequently utilized type of verb process in IASSR. Drawing upon the narrative analysis model by Labov and Waletzky (1997), this paper explores the overarching structure of the racism story "Hate is Virus" (2021) by Michelle K. Hanabusa. In addition to narrative analysis, this paper incorporates the appraisal theory developed by Martin and White (2005), which focuses on the linguistic choices used to express attitudes; furthermore, Halliday's transitivity theory (2004) is utilized to explore the linguistic representation by analyzing the transitivity patterns. The combination of a captivating, authentic narrative, a well-balanced structure, and nuanced attitudes towards combating racism creates a compelling and impactful storytelling experience. It engages readers emotionally, encourages critical thinking, and fosters a deeper understanding of the transformative power inherent in addressing and overcoming racism.
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  • Hyungjun KIM, Jongkun JUN, Jooyoung KIM, Keunyeob OH, Myonghwa PARK, R ...
    2024Volume 27 Pages 19-36
    Published: October 30, 2024
    Released on J-STAGE: October 30, 2024
    JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS
    While preceding research has focused on various aspects of the pandemic, there is still a need for further exploration of the relationship between preventive behavior against the pandemic and impulse buying. This study fills a gap by exploring how the fear of contracting COVID-19 and perceived financial losses from the pandemic interplay, and how they combine to drive impulse buying behavior, while considering the mediating role of preventive behavior. To investigate our hypothesis, we collected data from 760 respondents in South Korea through in-person survey. Using the PROCESS macro in SPSS model-58, we analyzed the data and found that the mediator role of preventive behavior and moderating role of perceived financial loss risk from COVID-19 significantly influence the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 infection and impulse buying. Specifically, when individuals perceive a higher risk of infection, they are more likely to engage in preventive behaviors. However, the negative relationship between preventive behavior and impulsive purchases weakens when there is a high perceived risk of financial loss.
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  • Yuen Yee YEN, Cheng She LEE
    2024Volume 27 Pages 37-45
    Published: October 30, 2024
    Released on J-STAGE: October 30, 2024
    JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS
    Electric vehicles adoption in Malaysia is still in its infancy, and there are still relatively few electric automobiles on the road in Malaysia. There is a lack of knowledge and information among Malaysia's transportation policymakers together with the automakers and marketers in the country. There is a relatively limited and insufficient amount of information that is publicly disclosed about how effectively electric automobiles are accepted and adopted from the views of Malaysian customers. The objective of this study is to determine key factors that influence the willingness to adopt electric vehicles among Malaysians post COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, snowball sampling was employed to gather 200 responses from the central regions of Malaysia. Consent was obtained and filter question “Are you using electric vehicles currently? were asked before the respondents were invited to participate in this questionnaire. Snowball sampling was used in identifying respondents before respondents were approached face-to-face from March 2022 to September 2022. Descriptive and inferential statistics are used to analyze the 200 data. Range anxiety, charging infrastructure, purchase cost, environmental concern positively influences the willingness to adopt electric vehicles while social influence is not. Purchase cost has the strongest influence on willingness to adopt electric vehicles as compared with range anxiety and charging infrastructure. Malaysia is still at its infant stage of adopting and marketing for electric vehicles. This study examines key factors affecting consumers' adoption of electric vehicles.
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  • Eriko YAMAMOTO
    2024Volume 27 Pages 46-57
    Published: October 30, 2024
    Released on J-STAGE: October 30, 2024
    JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS
    [Purpose] To verify a measurement scale for menstrual abnormalities in young women and identify related factors.
    [Method] The concept of menstrual abnormalities was analyzed targeting 31 papers from Japan and abroad1). A preliminary survey was carried out on 300 respondents. This survey was carried out on 600 persons and testing was carried out a week later. Valid responses were obtained from 300 persons, and a 4-factor, 25-item scale was abstracted. A survey on related factors was carried out on 400 persons, and correlation with eating habits, sleeping habits and physical discomfort were considered.
    [Ethical considerations] This study was carried out after obtaining approval from the Ethical Review Committee of Tokyo Women‘s Medical University (Approval No: 2021-0188).
    [Results] 400 women with menstrual abnormalities were targeted for analysis. A 4-factor, 25-item scale according to the analysis results of the confirmation factors could be confirmed. According to the analysis of covariance structures, a strong correlation was observed in goodness-of-fit model for 4 factors and eating habits, sleeping habits, and physical discomfort, at GFI=0.997, AGFI=0.978, CFI=0.999 and RMSEA=0.017.
    [Conclusion] Construct validity, criteria and internal consistency of this scale could be confirmed, and the 4-factor, 25-item scale could be validated.
    A strong correlation between the 4 factors and eating habits, sleeping habits and physical discomfort was observed.
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  • Ruriko YAMASHITA, Maki TANIYAMA, Rieko HASHIMOTO-Koichi
    2024Volume 27 Pages 58-70
    Published: October 30, 2024
    Released on J-STAGE: October 30, 2024
    JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS
    From January 2021, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has implemented health management support program, a measure that targets public assistance recipients to promote self-support by providing medical care and navigating them to encourage health. This study aims to show public health nurses' practices within the program. We had health nurses from municipalities to participate in the study, who are actively engaged in health management support program. The first author conducted in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews in August 2022, which cover perspectives and experience of the public health nurses. The practices of public health nurse in health management support program for public assistance recipients is divided into the core categories of the followings; [detecting life crises and health issues of the recipient and household], [reconnecting with society and establishing lifestyles that recipients would feel peace with], [assisting every aspect of recipient's life in the perspective of health], [overlooking the local care system and utilizing them to support the recipient], and [turning individual case to regional matter]. The findings from this study not only highlight the importance of health management support program, which is intended to encourage the public assistance recipients to begin adjusting their lifestyles. It emphasizes the necessity of more active involvement that goes beyond preventing lifestyle-related diseases such as assisting the recipient reconnect with the society and providing comprehensive support by accompanying them. The insights help to significantly progress the practices of public health nurses.
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  • Hari Babu V, Binu Sahayam D
    2024Volume 27 Pages 71-84
    Published: October 30, 2024
    Released on J-STAGE: October 30, 2024
    JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS
    Work-life balance (WLB) refers to an individual's capacity to meet job and family responsibilities, as well as other duties and hobbies. Maintaining a healthy WLB is important not just for relationships and wellness, but also for enhancing productivity and performance in organizations. Along with relationships, leadership, harmony, and communication, emotional intelligence appears to be an important component of mental abilities connected to WLB and achievement in life. Emotional intelligence (EI) is all about understanding and managing emotions effectively to alleviate stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome obstacles, and settle conflicts. Both the WLB and EI play a vital role among individuals in controlling their emotions, navigating relationships, and creating supportive jobs. Organizations can benefit from increasing the employee's talents by educating them and promoting a positive thinking culture. In this context, the study aims to understand the relationship between WLB and EI among the employees who are working in IT Sectors. The study is conducted as quantitative research by choosing 100 respondents working in IT sectors between the age of 21 to 50 years by using a convenience sampling method to collect the data from the respondents. The study follows the theoretical framework applying the ‘Boundary Theory’ proposed by Nippert Eng (1996) on managing between the work and personal lives. The findings of the study revealed that there is a positive correlation between WLB and EI among the employees working in the IT sector. Additionally, the study found that 62% of employees reported a medium level of work-life balance, and 76% of employees had a medium level of emotional intelligence.
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  • Life Experiences of Women in Early Marriage in India
    V B. NAGARAJ, P THEBORAL
    2024Volume 27 Pages 85-99
    Published: October 30, 2024
    Released on J-STAGE: October 30, 2024
    JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS
    Early marriage is one of the most serious social problems and has significant consequences for women's mental and physical health. Early marriages are often associated with sociocultural circumstances such as illiteracy, poverty, and crime against women in low-income areas. Because of the unsafe and unacceptable environments at home and in society, some girls decide to marry young. In addition to the negative impact on women's well-being, early marriage also hinders their educational and economic opportunities, hindering their ability to acquire essential skills and knowledge for personal and professional growth. It often leads to limited access to education and perpetuates the cycle of poverty and inequality, further exacerbating the challenges faced by women in marginalized communities. Additionally, early marriage often perpetuates harmful gender norms and reinforces patriarchal structures, denying women the autonomy and agency to make decisions about their own lives. The study aimed to explore the causes and consequences of women in early marriage in Chennai, India, who were married below 18.
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  • Mami SHIRATORI, Motoko IGARASHI, Mariko KONDO, Megumi HAYASHI, Michio ...
    2024Volume 27 Pages 100-114
    Published: October 30, 2024
    Released on J-STAGE: October 30, 2024
    JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS
    This study identifies the stress experienced by childcare workers and their stress-coping mechanisms when caring for children with special needs. Due to the current focus on inclusive education, the number of children with special needs has been increasing, leading to an increase in the importance of understanding childcare workers' stress management. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the stress experienced by childcare workers who care for children requiring special support. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 childcare workers at daycare centers and certified childcare centers in the Kanto region of Japan. The results showed that the three main childcare worker stressors were difficulties in providing individualized support, classroom management, and supporting the parents. These stressors were influenced by the lack of appropriate responses to childcare, staff shortages, and time constraints. Relationships with colleagues were found to play an important role in coping with stress, suggesting that good relationships reduce stress and improve childcare quality. However, it was also found that different ways of thinking and peer pressure could increase childcare worker stress. To overcome these challenges and promote inclusive education, specific support to improve the quality of care for children, develop communication training, and provide parental support in the workplace could be effective. This study contributes to a better understanding of stress in childcare workers for children with special needs.
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  • Changwan HAN
    2024Volume 27 Pages 115-121
    Published: October 30, 2024
    Released on J-STAGE: October 30, 2024
    JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS
    This study aimed to verify the reliability and construct validity of the CRAYON BOOK, a comprehensive assessment tool designed for early childhood education settings. The CRAYON BOOK assesses five domains: environment and daily life, comprehension, concept formation, consent, and self-expression. Data was collected from 96 children attending four nursery schools in Japan, whose parents consented to their participation. The children's behaviors were observed and evaluated by nursery staff using the CRAYON BOOK. To assess reliability, Cronbach's α was used, confirming high internal consistency across all domains (α = .844 to .982), with an overall scale reliability of .989. Construct validity was analyzed using structural equation modeling, and the results indicated a high goodness-of-fit across all indices. The findings suggest that the CRAYON BOOK is a reliable and valid tool for assessing children's development in early childhood education settings. It allows for the collection of quantitative data, which can help clarify the relationship between educational practices and children's growth. The CRAYON BOOK fills a significant gap in Japan's early childhood education by providing a standardized, practical tool for daily use by teachers, offering insight into both immediate developmental outcomes and potential long-term social and economic effects of early education. Future research should focus on expanding data collection to kindergartens and certified nursery schools to further validate its applicability across different educational settings.
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REVIEW ARTICLE
  • Keiko NISHIOKA, Mana SATO, Akemi ISOYAMA
    2024Volume 27 Pages 122-137
    Published: October 30, 2024
    Released on J-STAGE: October 30, 2024
    JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS
    Purpose: This study aimed to review previous studies published in Japan on menstruation among working women and clarify the trends and characteristics of their health issues.
    Method: A search for original articles published between 2012 and 2023 was conducted using ICHUSHI and CiNii, and 21 studies meeting our objectives were included in the analysis. The 21 articles were sorted by publication year, study design, subjects' characteristics, and subjects' age. Research trends and health issues related to menstruation among working women were then extracted and classified based on their similarities.
    Results: Factors that triggered the onset of menstrual symptoms included age, night shift work, and stress. The negative effects of menstruation on employment involved inaccurate and inefficient work. Other issues found were the low utilization of social systems, such as menstrual leave, and lack of awareness among male managers. Relatively few women practiced self-care for their menstrual symptoms. Factors associated with lack of self-care included mild menstrual bleeding, menstrual symptoms, desire to avoid work interruption, and lack of awareness.
    Conclusion: Education about menstruation should be provided regardless of gender, and support is needed to make self-care routine, even before menstruation begins.
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SHORT PAPER
  • Perspectives of Parents from Fujian Province and Taiwan
    Yuxin CHEN
    2024Volume 27 Pages 138-154
    Published: October 30, 2024
    Released on J-STAGE: October 30, 2024
    JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS
    The promotion of self-determination is crucial in the field of special education, particularly for children with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder. However, little is known about the role parents play in fostering self-determination for their children with developmental disabilities outside of school. This study aims to assess the perspectives of parents in Fujian and Taiwan regarding the importance, opportunities, and capacity of self-determination. Additionally, we explore how factors such as geographic regions, children's disability categories, and grade levels influence parents' perspectives. We surveyed 404 parents of children with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder in Fujian Province and Taiwan. The results revealed that parents' perception of the importance of self determination affected how they provided opportunities for self-determination at home. Furthermore, parents who were more inclined to provide their children with opportunities for self-determination generally perceived their children's ability to exercise self-determination as higher. However, this correlation is influenced by the specific type of disability that the child has. The study also discovered that parental perspectives on the capacity of self-determination skills varied depending on the child's disability category and grade level. These findings suggest the need for further research on implementing self-determination at home, which should focus on: 1) Providing parents with accurate information about their children's self-determination abilities; 2) Developing effective strategies for promoting self-determination in students with disabilities, especially those with ID and ASD; and 3) Emphasizing the importance of teaching self-determination skills to children with disabilities at a young age through specially designed instructional programs.
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CASE REPORT / ACTIVITY REPORT
  • Kentaro SASAKI, Mikio HIRANO, Kazuhito NOGUCHI
    2024Volume 27 Pages 155-165
    Published: October 30, 2024
    Released on J-STAGE: October 30, 2024
    JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS
    The purpose of this study was to clarify changes in relationships with friends and aspirations for relationships with friends before and after graduation from a special needs high school, and to examine the background of changes in aspirations for relationships, based on semi-structured interviews with three students with intellectual disabilities and their parents.
    The results showed that two common features were observed in the subjects: they viewed their relationships with friends also enrolled in special needs programs as more favorable than relationships forged outside of school, and they continued to recognize their classmates as friends after graduation. Their aspirations regarding their relationships with friends changed between before and after they had experiences interacting with friends in places other than school. This change was the development of an aspiration to interact with classmates outside of school and after graduation.
    These results suggest that the experience of interacting with friends in informal settings may be a factor in the development of the aspiration to forge and maintain relationships with friends in multiple settings, both before and after graduation. We also noted that the stability of relationships with friends who also have intellectual disabilities is accompanied by proximity. In this regard, vulnerability to environmental changes in relationships with friends among youth with intellectual disabilities may occur. The development of relationships with friends in multiple settings may contribute to the stability of relationships, that is, their maintenance before and after graduating from school.
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  • 2024Volume 27 Pages 170-
    Published: 2024
    Released on J-STAGE: January 20, 2025
    JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS
    Download PDF (120K)
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