This study examined whether the frequency and direction of social comparisons relate to one’s appearance satisfaction. A web-based survey was conducted on 518 adults (253 men and 265 women), ranging in age from their 20s to 60s (M = 45.6 years, SD = 13.81). The results showed that the direction of social comparison was negatively related to appearance satisfaction. Among men, participants in the equivalent comparison group were less satisfied with their appearance than those in the downward comparison group, and those in the upward comparison group were less satisfied with their appearance than those in the equivalent comparison group. Among women, participants in the upward comparison group were less satisfied with their appearance than those in the downward and equivalent comparison groups. A low evaluation of his or her appearance through upward comparisons may have led to dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, ultimately resulting in low self-esteem.

　This study provides an overview of the practices of the Danish folk high schools (Folkehøjskole) both domestically and internationally and examines their principles from the perspective of community psychology. First, it reviews the history of the folk high schools and outlines their key characteristics, followed by a discussion of practical examples, particularly in Nordic countries and developing countries. Next, the study examines the development and recent trends of folk high schools in Japan. A model illustrating the interrelationship between folk high schools and community psychology was created from those analyese. The results confirmed that both focus on promoting personal growth and social maturity. Specifically, folk high schools emphasize free education centered on dialogue, which empowers students (community members), encourages active participation in the community, and ultimately leads to the realization of democracy and a sustainable society. However, differences between folk high schools and community psychology were also identified. While folk high schools are specialized in promoting community awareness through education, leading to spontaneous social reform, community psychology employs psychological methods to address a broader range of social issues, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based policy recommendations.

This study investigates cooperative learning in elementary English education based on a review of literature written in Japanese. Group learning is frequently used in elementary education and is often referred to as cooperative learning， but specific conditions must be met for it to be considered as such. This investigation explains the five elements of cooperative learning proposed by Johnson and Johnson， then searches and analyzes papers on cooperative learning in elementary English education from CiNii Research to look for patterns. As a result， these studies generally showed positive outcomes and revealed two common points. The first is presenting guidelines for the students when implementing cooperative learning. The second is the need to consider individual differences among the students. The study results imply that these two points should be considered when implementing cooperative learning in elementary English education， a finding that can be utilized in future practice.

　Cold Blow is a name for a deserted farmstead located in Temple Ewell Civil Parish in Kent. The first element cold concerns “coldness” or “chilliness,” and the second element blow concerns “strong wind.” This paper aims to investigate the “wind strength” which is supposed to be meant by the second element of the place-name in question by analyzing the meteorological data obtained from the local weather forecast. Since Cold Blow is isolated on a rather inland hilltop, Folkestone was selected for the purpose of pursuing a contrastive comparison, because the city is situated on the coastal level plain in the vicinity. Consequently, it has been revealed that, in the summer season, the “wind strength” at Cold Blow is weaker than that at Folkestone, and that the directions of the prevalent winds and those of the stronger winds are fairly correlated at Folkestone but only partially at Cold Blow, despite the fact that the northeasterly and the southwesterly winds are prevalent at both places.

　The image of written words is known different by Japanese fonts. The width and shape of a character, it is pointed out to affect the font impression. However, affective value, frequency of use, level of understanding, have not been strongly considered as the effects of the factors that have the word. Therefore, the Words were investigated　the font image by controlling affective value and frequency of use and level of understanding. The result showed that the meaning of the words and the frequency of contact were more influential than the impression of the fonts.