This study aimed to examine the associations between the three dimensions of perfectionism—self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism—and the four-factor structure of interpersonal manipulation strategies. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 347 Japanese adults aged 18 years and older. The three dimensions of perfectionism showed distinct patterns of association with interpersonal manipulation strategies. Other-oriented perfectionism showed significant positive associations with all manipulation factors, whereas socially prescribed perfectionism was positively associated only with the two behavioral manipulation strategies. In contrast, self-oriented perfectionism was negatively associated with three manipulation subfactors. These findings suggest that, despite sharing a common foundation in the pursuit of perfection, the three dimensions differ in their interpersonal characteristics.

The present study aimed to develop and validate the Japanese version of the Oxford Utilitarianism Scale (OUS-JP). In Study 1, we administered the scale to 442 Japanese adults and examined its reliability and factor structure. In Study 2, we assessed test–retest reliability among 75 university students by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients. The analyses revealed that the OUS-JP replicated the original two-factor structure and demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity. However, caution is warranted regarding the relatively low reliability of the Impartial Beneficence subscale, as well as the comparatively high intercorrelation between the two factors. Finally, we discussed potential future research taking into account the findings and limitations of this study.

Repetitive negative thinking has been implicated in the exacerbation of internalizing problems among individuals with high autism spectrum traits. Although metacognitive beliefs, such as the responsibility to continue thinking, promote repetitive negative thinking, scholarly examination of this process has not considered autism spectrum traits. Therefore, the present study examined the mediating effect of responsibility to continue thinking on the relationship between autism spectrum traits and repetitive negative thinking. The results of a web-based survey of 1,234 Japanese adults indicated that the association between autism spectrum traits and repetitive negative thinking was partially mediated by the responsibility to continue thinking. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at reducing the responsibility to continue thinking may also lessen repetitive negative thinking among individuals with high autism spectrum traits.

This study examined whether agreeableness moderates the relationship between three work engagement facets (vigor, dedication, and absorption) and job satisfaction. Data were obtained from 878 Japanese employees. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that vigor and dedication were positively associated with job satisfaction, whereas absorption was negatively associated. Although agreeableness showed no main effect, an interaction emerged between vigor and agreeableness. Simple slope analyses indicated that vigor was positively related to job satisfaction only among individuals high in agreeableness. These findings suggest that associations between work engagement and job satisfaction differ across engagement facets and are conditionally shaped by personality characteristics.

This study examined the association between cognitive traits and choice behavior on a user interface using visually interfering dark patterns. A web-based survey of 94 university students was analyzed. A fictitious video-streaming registration screen emphasized paid plans and made the free plan less noticeable. Logistic regression analysis showed that only CFQ scores were significantly associated with plan choice, with higher scores predicting selection of the free plan. Choice behavior under such dark patterns may thus reflect searching-and-checking strategies in attention-demanding situations.

Uncertainty tolerance, referring to the tendency to appraise uncertain situations as challenging rather than threatening, is relevant to various adaptive outcomes. Dalbert’s (2002) Uncertainty Tolerance Scale (UTS) was translated into Japanese and administered to 700 adults. Confirmatory factor analysis did not support the original eight-item one-factor structure, as reverse-worded items loaded on a separate factor. A modified five-item model showed acceptable fit and reliability, and its associations with related measures were generally consistent with expectations, though further validation is warranted.

The purpose of this study was to examine a mediation model in which exercise habits, as a form of physical activity, reduce loneliness through self-compassion. A total of 300 Japanese adults (mean age 60.1) completed the Exercise Habit Strength Scale, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3). Results of the mediation analysis indicated a significant indirect effect, whereby physical activity enhanced self-compassion, which in turn reduced loneliness. These findings suggest that physical activity affects loneliness through the mediating role of self-compassion, supporting a full mediation model.