著者

高橋 綾子 藤井 修平

出版者

公益社団法人 日本心理学会

雑誌

心理学研究 (ISSN:00215236)

巻号頁・発行日

2022

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<p>The purposes of this study are to clarify the relationship between attitudes toward <i>Amabie</i> (folkloric mermaid -like creature) during the COVID-19 calamity and traditional values, including everyday religious activities in<b> </b>Japan, and to explore the social functions of <i>Yokai</i> (Japanese supernatural creature and phenomena). Although <i>Yokai</i> have historically had both religious and entertainment roles, recent studies have shown that contemporary <i>Yokai</i> are only seen as entertainment. In Japan, however, <i>Amabie</i> has been attracting public attention for its historic ability to repulse plagues and therefore seems to have social functions other than entertainment. Study 1 used newspaper articles and other supporting materials to investigate the social prevalence of <i>Amabie</i> and the way people relate to it. Study 2 investigated attitudes towards <i>Amabie</i> and traditional values. The results suggested that with the expectations that <i>Amabie</i> could drive the plague off, <i>Amabie</i> evoked not only positive but also negative impressions, and for that reason, it might be accepted as a <i>Yokai</i>. This showed that the function of <i>Yokai</i> may change depending on the situation. </p>