Project
Space Medicine Research Project
Outer space, where astronauts work, can be said to be an “extreme work environment” under special conditions such as microgravity, cosmic radiation, and an isolated and closed environment. Based on our knowledge of occupational psychiatry, we are conducting research to clarify the impact of stress in the space environment on the mental health of astronauts through research not only on astronauts, but also on workers working in the field of space development and groups operating in special environments such as Antarctic research expeditions, and through closed-environment experiments that simulate space flight missions. With manned exploration missions on the moon being planned and space travel becoming a reality, it is a cutting-edge academic field.
https://living-in-space.jaxa.jp/en/
T-SOCS
The TSOC-S (Tsukuba Health Generation Occupational Cohort Survey) was launched in 1988 with the aim of understanding the actual state of living environment and mental health in Tsukuba Science City. Initially, it was conducted with the aim of preventing suicide problems related to the “Tsukuba syndrome” that was reported in the 1970s. Since then, regular surveys have been conducted every five years, and from FY2021, the contents of the survey were renewed to explore “factors for continuing to work healthier,” and the name was changed to the current one.
Past surveys have revealed issues related to improving satisfaction with living conditions and improving transportation, as well as data on work stress and support, indicating that job satisfaction and support are increasing.
https://kaken.nii.ac.jp/en/grant/KAKENHI-PROJECT-24K13524
https://kaken.nii.ac.jp/en/grant/KAKENHI-PROJECT-19K19431
https://kaken.nii.ac.jp/en/grant/KAKENHI-PROJECT-20K19633/
Examining the NBI (Nature-based Intervention) Program for Workers and Students
NBI (Nature Based Intervention) is an intervention program that utilizes the natural environment. In Europe, it is actively carried out as a rehabilitation program and health promotion activity, and we visited the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Sweden.
In this research project, we are investigating the effects of nature on mental health by verifying stress management programs that utilize the natural environment for workers and students, and in collaboration with the completion certificate program of human resource development programs that can contribute to diverse agricultural welfare cooperation for the general public, led by Chiba University.
https://kaken.nii.ac.jp/en/grant/KAKENHI-PROJECT-23K10299
https://kaken.nii.ac.jp/en/grant/KAKENHI-PROJECT-18KT0039/
Integration of AI and Occupational Medicine
Technological innovation has led to the increasing use of digital mental health, opening up new possibilities for supporting workers’ mental health. We are conducting research and development to support problems that are difficult to solve with conventional research methods with new technologies that utilize artificial intelligence. In this study, we aim to predict the psychological burden and productivity of workers and to make interventions more effective.
https://kaken.nii.ac.jp/en/grant/KAKENHI-PROJECT-24K13524
https://kaken.nii.ac.jp/en/grant/KAKENHI-PROJECT-19K19431
Survey on the Working Conditions of Public Elementary and Junior High School Teachers
As mental health experts, we participated in a study commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology entitled “Survey on the Working Conditions of Public Elementary and Junior High School Teachers.”
In this study, a questionnaire survey was conducted among public school teachers nationwide. Based on the data obtained, we analyze the relationship between teachers’ working conditions and mental health from multiple perspectives. The purpose of this program is to provide advice and policy recommendations based on scientific evidence to prevent mental health problems among workers.