Structure of the psychological function and developmental changes in "ibasho" (existential place)

Abstract

The present study examined the structure of the psychological function of "ibasho" (existential place), and developmental changes in existential place. Participants (234 elementary school students, 304 junior high school students, and 321 high school students) completed a questionnaire. Factor analysis of the data revealed 6 domains of the psychological function of "ibasho" : perceived acceptance, mental stability, freedom of action, thought and introspection, self-affirmative feeling, and freedom from others. When "ibasho" was classified into three categories according to the presence or absence of others, and the type of others (i.e., alone, with the family, and with friends), it was shown that the participants' selection of "ibasho" varied with increasing age. The discussion examined the characteristics of "ibasho" in relation to these 3 classifications and psychological function.