This study developed the Positive Body Image Schemas Inventory (PBISI). Study 1 examined the factor structure and internal consistency among 391 respondents aged between 18 and 59. Study 2 examined test-retest reliability, minimal detectable change, construct validity, and sex differences among 239 respondents aged between 18 and 59. Further, Study 3 investigated construct validity among 372 respondents aged between 18 and 34. The results of Study 1 indicated that the PBISI comprises 17 items with two factors, “Acceptance” and “Release,” and has good internal consistency with similar psychometric properties regardless of respondents’ sex or age. The results of Study 2 indicated that the test-retest reliability of the PBISI is acceptable. The score for the total inventory and the Release factor was significantly higher among men than among women, with a change of 1.8 points or more in the total score representing a meaningful change. The results of Study 3 supported the construct validity of the PBISI. Overall, this study made it possible to measure schemas that predict positive body image and factors that generate and maintain positive body image.

This study clarified the associations between response styles, the meaning of significant others, and time continuity by comparing the importance of an individual’s future-time perspective. A total of 359 undergraduate participants completed a questionnaire. Upon analysis, three groups were identified depending on the importance of an individual’s future-time perspective, gender, and time continuity. Group 1 comprised goal-oriented women, Group 2, goal-oriented men, future-anxious types, and present-oriented types. Group 3 comprised future-vague types and future-indifferent types. Multiple population analysis identified three group characteristics. In Group 1, it was noted that one had a strong influence on their future, and usually faced themselves leading to time continuity maintenance. Group 2 temporarily diffused time continuity by avoiding their problems. In Groups 1 and 2, reassurance with their significant others made their time continuity stronger. Interestingly, Group 3 did not avoid and introspect as the other two groups did. However, they felt connections between their present and future with significant others who could be their future models. These results suggest that providing different support types for the three undergraduate groups is required.

This study aims to (a) develop the multi-dimensional social support measurement scale and (b) establish and examine the validity of cut-off values for the amount of support (support ratio, support difference, amount of received support) in each support type. We analyzed data from 1,070 Japanese undergraduates and developed a scale consisting of three dimensions: tangible support, informational support, and emotional support. Each support type scale showed sufficient reliability. Validity was generally confirmed when utilizing the support ratio and support difference as measures. However, the amount of received support requires further validation. Next, an ROC analysis was conducted to establish cut-off values for the amount of each support type. Then, support was classified as under-, adequate-, and over-support. We also examined the validity of these cut-off values. The results revealed generally good accuracy for the cut-off values of each support amount for each support type. For the lower and upper cut-off values, the support difference and amount of received support, respectively, had the highest accuracy.