President's Greeting
Hironori Shimada (Waseda University), 8th President
Welcome to the official website of the Japanese Association of Health Psychology.
Health psychology is a discipline that explores the psychological aspects of health maintenance and promotion, as well as disease prevention and treatment. It investigates the causes and management of health-related issues and contributes to the development of health education programs, healthcare systems, and health policies. As such, the scope of health psychology research is vast and far-reaching.
In late 2019, the Association published the Encyclopedia of Health Psychology (Maruzen Publishing). During its compilation, we engaged in discussions and streamlined the current frameworks and terminologies used in health psychology. This led to the establishment of 13 distinct categories, each of which forms the basis for a dedicated chapter. These categories encompass: Fundamentals of Health Psychology; Physiological Mechanisms; Personality; Stress; Health Education and Health Promotion; Assessment; Adaptation (addressing diseases and problem behaviors); Interpersonal, Group, and Societal Dynamics; Healthcare Systems; Counseling; Health Psychological Support Methods and Post-Disaster Support; Sex and Gender; and Research Methods and Ethics. This comprehensive overview underscores the multifaceted nature of health psychology and highlights the critical importance of collaborations between researchers and practitioners to foster the continued advancement of this field.
The unprecedented duration of the COVID-19 pandemic has, arguably, sparked an unparalleled level of societal interest in health. The Association has consistently contributed to addressing this concern; however, as we transition back to pre-pandemic lifestyles, it is imperative to refocus on the maintenance and promotion of human health, tackling challenges that extend beyond COVID-19. Moreover, with the formalization of the "Certified Psychological Practitioner" national certification, it is crucial to showcase the practical applications of health psychology and its potential societal contributions.
To achieve these goals, we have assembled a team of ten distinguished health psychology experts to serve on the board during the Association's 8th term (2023-2025). This esteemed group includes Vice President Keisuke Yamatsuta (Kanagawa University), who will oversee the annual conference, and Executive Director Kazutaka Nomura (Kitasato University), who will manage the Association's primary operations. Professor Junpei Yajima (Beppu University) has assumed the role of Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Health Psychology Research, the Association's official publication. Professor Keiko Otake (Kwansei Gakuin University) will spearhead research initiatives as the Chair of the Research Promotion Committee. Meanwhile, Professor Yoriko Matsuda Chapman (J. F. Oberlin University) will oversee the certification of health psychologists as the Chair of the Certification Committee. Professor Hisayoshi Okamura (Kurume University) will lead the Training Committee, which is responsible for developing and delivering training programs in health psychology knowledge and skills. Professor Mika Omori (Ochanomizu University) will chair the International Committee, ensuring the Association remains abreast of global developments in the field. Professor Masae Miura (Tokyo Kasei University) will helm the Public Relations Committee, which is tasked with raising awareness of health psychology trends and the Association's activities. Professor Rie Ishikawa (J. F. Oberlin University) will chair the Ethics Committee, addressing ethical considerations across the Association's various endeavors. Professor Tomoko Tanaka (Okayama University) has been appointed Chair of the Motoaki Memorial Award Committee, which is responsible for recognizing exceptional research contributions. Additionally, we have appointed three auditors and sixteen councilors to executive positions within the Association.
We look forward to collaborating with our members, valuing your input as we collectively advance and promote the field of health psychology. Your continued understanding and support are deeply appreciated.
June 2023
