Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between the five factor model of personality and exercise level and self-efficacy (SE) for exercise in older Japanese adults. This study also examined whether SE mediates the association between personality and exercise behavior. Methods: A questionnaire survey was distributed that determined age, sex, physical health, exercise level, SE for exercise, and personality traits of 1,515 older Japanese adults. Of these 1,515 people, 876 aged 60–92 years completed the questionnaire survey. Results: Extraversion and conscientiousness were significantly and positively associated with exercise level after controlling for age, sex, and physical health. All domains of personality traits (extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were positive, but neuroticism was negative) were significantly correlated with SE for exercise. Structural equation modeling showed that only extraversion was directly affected by exercise level, all personality traits showed significant pathways to SE for exercise, and SE for exercise was the greatest predictor of exercise level in all pathways in the final model. Conclusion: Extraversion is directly associated with exercise level, extraversion, and other personality traits that are affected by SE for exercise. Additionally, SE for exercise is the greatest predictor of exercise level in older Japanese adults.

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Effects of social skills and self-esteem on resilience in university students were investigated. University students (N=252; Mean age=20.84±1.46 years) participated in this study by responding to the following instruments: Resilience Scale for Students (RS-S), Social Skills Self-Rating Scale and Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale. Results of hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that social skills and self-esteem predicted resilience. Moreover, in participants with low self-esteem, social skills had a more potent effect on resilience than in participants with high self-esteem. Based on these results, we have discussed the role of social skills and self-esteem on resilience.

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This study aimed to develop a psychological resilience model for university athletes (PRMUA). University athletes (N=377; 188 men and 189 women, Mean age=19.70 years, SD=1.20) participated in the study. They completed a questionnaire comprising of socio-demographic questions and questions on resilience, resilience efficacy, stressors, stress response, and self-esteem. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the hypothetical mediation model of PRMUA, which indicated that fit indices of the model satisfied statistical requirements (GFI=.99, AGFI=.94, CFI=.99, RMSEA=.08, AIC=48.32, BCC=48.93). Moreover, each path of PRMUA had a significant influence on each variable. Findings of this study partially supported our hypotheses regarding PRMUA. Further research is needed to clarify the nature of resilience. Moreover, longitudinal research is needed to develop practical uses for the model, such as increasing and predicting the resilience of athletic club members.

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Effects of interpersonal rejection sensitivity and automatic thoughts relating to social phobia, trait anxiety, and depression, in university students in a teacher education course were investigated to determine if these effects differed between pre- and post-practicum students. We administered questionnaires to first year students (n=84; 37 boys and 47 girls) with no practicum experience (no practicum group) and to fourth year students (n=82; 51 boys and 31 girls) with a practicum experience (practicum group). The results showed that in the no practicum group, “Dependence on Evaluation by Others” and “Negative Expectations for the Future” significantly affected interpersonal rejection sensitivity and automatic thoughts related to social phobia, whereas “Negative Expectation for the Future” had a significant effect on these variables in the practicum group. In addition, “Negative Thoughts about the Self” significantly affected trait anxiety. Furthermore, “Fear of Relationship Failure” and “Unassertive Interpersonal Behavior significantly affected the “Fear of Hurting Others” in the no practicum group, whereas there was a significant effect of “Fear of Criticism by Others” on these variables in the practicum group. In both groups, there was a significant effect of “Negative Expectation for the Future” on depression, whereas in the no practicum group, there was a significant effect of “Positive Automatic Thoughts” on depression.

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Cognitive appraisal of interpersonal stress in childcare workers was investigated from the perspective of interpersonal stress situations and social skills. Participants were kindergarten teachers (n=57) and nursery teachers (n=91). They responded to the Stress Cognitive Appraisal Scale and Kikuchi's Scale of Social Skills. Results indicated that dealings with parents and children were considered important sources of interpersonal stress, whereas dealings with superiors at the workplace were considered more difficult to control. The results of correlation analysis between social skills and cognitive appraisal of controlling interpersonal stress situations indicated that the two were positively correlated. These results indicate that childcare workers are positively involved in dealing with children and parents. Moreover, they have difficulties in controlling interpersonal stress with their superiors and colleagues. Positive correlations were found between the sense of controlling interpersonal stress situations and social skills. Therefore, it is suggested that improving social skills might enhance cognitive appraisal of controlling interpersonal stress.

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This study examined the applicability of the health action process approach (HAPA) for determining the prevalence of physical exercise among Japanese workers (N=2,200; 1,100 men and 1,100 women; Mean age=39.89 years, SD=10.44), who participated in the study. They completed a packet of questionnaires that included an assessment of socio-demographic variables, such as gender and age, a modified physical exercise index, and an assessment of socio-cognitive variables, such as risk perception, outcome expectancies, self-efficacy, behavioral intention, and planning. Structural equation modeling using the maximum likelihood estimation method was employed to examine the HAPA. Results indicated satisfactory fit indices (GFI=.997, AGFI=.989, CFI=.997, RMSEA=.031). Moreover, results confirmed the applicability of HAPA, which explained 34% of the variance in physical exercise among Japanese workers. Each path between observed variables in the HAPA model had a significantly positive influence on the corresponding variable, with the exception of the path from negative outcome expectancy to behavioral intention, which had a significantly negative effect. It is concluded that the HAPA is a useful framework for identifying the determinants of physical exercise prevalence among Japanese workers.

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Little is known about how children's physical activities are related to their cognitive performance and academic achievement. Therefore, we reviewed research investigating the effects of physical activity levels of children on cognitive performance and academic achievement and identified research trends. We searched electronic databases for literature published between 2000 and 2011 using the following key words: “children,” “physical activity,” “academic,” “school,” and “intervention”. As a result, 10 studies were identified. Seven of these studies recognized improvements in children's cognitive performance and academic achievement. Moreover, it is suggested that schools are optimum places for conducting physical activity programs for children.

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