A comparative study between Japan and Korea on factors influencing self-neglect among the elderly

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K23259
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0108:Sociology and related fields
• Research Institution: Kanto Gakuin University (2021-2022); Doshisha University (2019-2020)
• Principal Investigator: JEONG HEESEONG 関東学院大学, 社会学部, 准教授 (80844092)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-08-30 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: セルフ・ネグレクト

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aims to develop a prevention and support model for self-neglect in both Japan and South Korea. By focusing on the perspectives and psychological and social factors of the individuals, which have been often overlooked in previous research, the study aims to empirically examine the causal relationship between self-neglect and its influencing factors as a fundamental research. In 2019, a survey was conducted on elderly people living alone in both Japan and South Korea, and the data were analyzed. However, the survey could not proceed as planned in Japan due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The results of the study were summarized in four papers, which were submitted to academic journals in Japan and South Korea.

Free Research Field

高齢者福祉

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、セルフ・ネグレクト研究において、従来の研究では等閑視されてきた当事者の視点と心理・社会的要因がいかに重要な要素であるかを実証的に検討したことが成果としてあげられる。具体的には、高齢者が危機的ライフイベントを通してセルフ・ネグレクト状態となり、心理的要因が媒介変数として有効に影響を及ぼすこと。なお、セルフ・ネグレクトの程度が悪いほど自殺念慮の程度が高いことや、手段的日常生活動作（IADL）とセルフ・ネグレクトの関係において情緒的サポートが有意な調節効果をもつことを明らかにした。これらの成果は学術的にも社会的にも重要な知見を与えるものと考えられる。