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Our previous study demonstrated that infection prevention behaviors can be divided into six types characterized by health literacy. This study examined the effects of differences among these types on physical and mental health, daily life problems, and vaccination behavior. The participants（ N＝3,000, 558 men and 442 women, Mean age 52.53±15.75 years） responded to a questionnaire survey in January 2021. The results indicated that the different characteristics of each segment in terms of their impact on physical health, mental health and real-life impacts. Three segments were identified as high-risk for promoting infection prevention behaviors. The "Overvigilance/social defense" factor delayed the detection of severe illnesses by curtailing hospital visits, which could exacerbate future health risks. Moreover, the" Threat denial" and the" Optimism/affinity for false rumors" factor decreased infection prevention behaviors by failing to encourage vaccination and interfering with related health behaviors. We have discussed the need to avoid excessive messaging when information is presented repeatedly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major aims of health psychology is promoting mental health. Therefore, we developed a short Cognitive Behavioral Training program to Promote Well-Being (CBT-PWB) by enhancing psychological well-being. Japanese university students (N = 18; 4 men and 14 women; mean age=20.5, SD= 1.8) participated in the CBT- PWB program. They evaluated their psychological well-being, behavior that promoted well-being, positive and negative automatic thoughts, and personal values. Results of a linear mixed model indicated significant changes in psychological well-being, positive and negative automatic thoughts, and personal values. Moreover, the effects of the intervention were observed after a follow-up period. However, behaviors that promoted well-being did not change significantly at the post-intervention follow-up. These results suggest that CBT-PWB is a useful technique in the field of health psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are an attractive therapeutic option for health problems. Genetic and environmental factors influence serum levels of EPA and DHA. Also, omega-3 fatty acids are known to be essential for the growth and the development of the human brain. It is also well known that diet and nutrition influence depression. Several randomized controlled trials have reported the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids in depressive disorders. Meta-analyses have indicated some advantages of omega-3 fatty acids in depressive disorders, suggesting that omega-3 fatty acids might have an influence on the pathophysiology of depression. It is possible that the intake of higher levels these acids might result in a lower prevalence of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hericium erinaceum (H. erinaceum) has long been used for culinary as well as for medicinal purposes. Recently, it has been reported that H. erinaceum exerts important bioactivities, including the induction of neuronal growth factor (NGF) synthesis, the inhibition of beta-amyloid peptide cytotoxicity, and protection against neuronal cell death caused by endoplasmic reticulum stress. It has also been reported that the intake of Amyloban®3399, which contains a standardized extract of H. erinaceum improves negative moods, such as irritability and anxiety, and raises incentives associated with improved concentration and motivation. The effects of the extracted from H. Erinaceus "Hericenones" and "Amiroban" are reviewed, and effect of H. erinaceum and Amyloban®3399 on mental health, including recent finding by the authors, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of class-wide cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) for children, which is commonly practiced in Japan, was investigated. Current developments in CCBT use, its merits, importance of assessing CCBT practitioners and possible future developments in CCBT were focused, and problems associated with this approach were highlighted. This study indicated that practitioners were not fixated on conducting CCBT with children, that it was often used to determine suitable interventions for children, as well as for checking children's efficacy in coping with similar problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]