Associations of Well-Being With Psychological and Socioeconomic Status After the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster

Abstract

Objective: This study exploratively analyzed the associations of well-being with psychological characteristics, socioeconomic status (SES), and the number of relocations after the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, an online questionnaire survey was administered to 416 residents of Fukushima and Tokyo each aged 20-59 years (832 in total) between August 25 and 26, 2018, which was 7 and a half years after the disaster. Categorical factor analysis and multiple regression analysis were performed to investigate associations of 5 well-being scales (positive emotion, negative-free emotion, life satisfaction and general happiness, positive characteristics, and positive functioning) with psychological characteristics, SES, and the number of relocations. Results: Four of the well-being scales, except for negative-free emotion, were strongly associated with each other and showed similarities in the strength of their associations with psychological characteristics and SES. Among the items surveyed, psychological distress, mindfulness, and marital status were strongly associated with well-being among Fukushima residents. Contrarily, radiation risk perception or the number of relocations were not significantly associated with well-being. Conclusions: Focusing on psychological distress is expected to have a significant impact on improving well-being after the disaster. In addition, assistance in avoiding unintended family separation may be helpful.