This study aimed to examine the relationship between self-consciousness, the desire to be slim, and abnormal eating behavior among female college students. The subjects were 503 female college students (mean age: 19.22±1.01). First, the subjects were divided into two groups (weak desire to be slim group and strong desire to be slim group). Second, using cluster analysis in each group, the subjects were categorized according to their levels of self-consciousness into patterns of low self-consciousness (cluster A), high public self-consciousness (cluster B), high private self-consciousness (cluster C), and high self-consciousness (cluster D). Third, in order to examine the relation between abnormal eating behavior and the self-consciousness pattern, a one-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) on Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) score was conducted on the four clusters. The resulting values of ANOVA on EAT-26 score in cluster D were greater than those in cluster A of the weak-desire-to-be-slim group. Further, the resulting values in cluster D were stronger than those in clusters A, B, and C of the strong desire to be slim group. Thus, particularly among female college students having strong desires to be slim, both public and private self-consciousness may relate to abnormal eating behavior.

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This study's aim was to examine symptoms and comorbid somatic complaints of depression for a large sample representative of the Japanese general population. The survey conducted in June 2000 gathered a total of 19,850 responses from individuals aged 20 years or older (males=9,685 females=10,165), which were analyzed using The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) to assess the prevalence of depression with two different cut-off points; 16 (CES-D16 depression) and 26 (CES-D26 depression). Somatic complaints were assessed by 9 questions asking about the presence of headache, dizziness, palpitation, epigastric discomfort, constipation/diarrhea, stiff shoulder, back pain, fatigue and difficulty recovering from fatigue. The total CES-D score was significantly higher in females than in males. The scores for appetite loss, sleeplessness, inhibition, depressive mood, and sadness were higher in females compared to males. Prevalence of CES-D16 depression and CES-D26 depression was 29.6% and 6.7%, respectively, both significantly higher in females. Somatic complaints were significantly more frequent in females compared to males. Logistic regression analyses conducted independently for males and females revealed that significant positive correlations between somatic complaints and CES-D26 depression. It was noted that the odds ratios were higher in males than in females, suggesting that somatic complaints in males were more likely to indicate the presence of depression in comparison with females.

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The objective of this research was to clarify the mental and physical changes experienced by perimenopausal women and their coping methods. This research was used a qualitative research design. Interviews were conducted with a convenience sampling of 7 perimenopausal or postmenopausal women who had either experienced, or were currently experiencing, perimenopausal mental and physical changes in order to discern the transitions experienced by the women during perimenopause and the ways they handled them. The interview analyzed by content analysis and 10 categories of mental and physical changes were extracted. These included menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and mood swings, as well as confusion and feelings of loneliness. 12 categories of coping methods were extracted, such as paying attention to one's mental and physical state, striving to live based on current physical strength and ability, and adapting to changes. The women also regarded an overall sense of balance as important. They valued their relationships with others, and rediscovered and revised their sense of self. Moreover, they sought not only to relieve symptoms, but also to face life with enthusiasm and purposefulness. Perimenopausal women experience broad changes and implement a variety of ways to cope with this time of transition.

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