To children all across the country
Stress management
I want to expand the circle

Graduate International Graduate School of Advance graduates
Degree Program in International Academic Research Completed the doctoral program

Tomokazu Sugiyama

Main content

The research theme is stress management for fostering healthy minds in children.

Shunsuke Koseki In our laboratory, we are conducting research on 'stress management' based on cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a psychotherapy mainly targeting high school students. By helping children acquire correct knowledge and effective ways to manage stress at an earlier stage in life, we aim to contribute to their mental health both now and in the future.

In our research, we are tackling the challenge of demonstrating the "prevention" of stress exacerbation in a short period of time by actually visiting schools and conducting stress management classes. We are working on this project in a friendly atmosphere with the other members of the research lab, while also valuing the fact that "we ourselves enjoy interacting with the children." I think one of the great things about Obirin is that we can learn from leading experts while also gaining practical experience. When we hear comments from the children such as, "I want to use what I learned today in my daily life," or "I'm happy that I was able to find a way to cope with stress that suits me," we feel a great sense of fulfillment.

Professor Toshie Ishikawa, my main affiliation, is a senior female researcher who has given me advice on everything from my daily research activities to my life in general, and has always encouraged me with kind words.

I was fortunate to have supportive relationships and a field where I could immerse myself in research.

During my middle and high school years, while listening to my friends' problems, I thought, "It would be great if schools had classes where we could learn social skills (the skills needed to build good relationships with others and live together)," and that's what sparked my interest in my current research topic.

J. F. Oberlin University I chose graduate school because I could qualify to take the clinical psychologist and certified psychologist exams, and because there was a lab with a field where I could conduct intervention research in actual school settings. Before enrolling, I had the impression that the campus was spacious and clean, and the professors and administrative staff were very kind and kind, and that impression did not change at all after enrolling. Not only professors and administrative staff, but also many students seem kind and earnest. Thanks to that, I was able to fully pursue the research I wanted.

Photo with members of the Koseki Laboratory

Before enrolling, I had some experience working as an assistant director for stage plays at small theaters in Shimokitazawa and Nakano. I realized that acting wasn't for me (laughs), but during that time I learned the joy of creating a single work as a team and the pleasure of working diligently and wholeheartedly towards a goal, and I think that experience is still relevant to my current research activities.

University is a time when you can meet many people, so "let's have lots of fun experiences!"

I have already submitted my doctoral dissertation, and after graduation, I plan to move to a university in Kyoto to continue my research activities. In graduate school, I gained countless valuable experiences, including stress management classes in education, presenting at conferences overseas, and having papers accepted both domestically and internationally. Leveraging these J. F. Oberlin University experiences to the fullest, we will further devote ourselves to the theme of preventive psychoeducation, both from clinical practice and research. In the future, I hope to have my own laboratory, increase the number of colleagues who will work together, expand stress management throughout Japan, and create a future where all Japanese children can say, "I can manage stress!"

One of J. F. Oberlin University 's attractions is the abundance of opportunities to broaden your interests. As I also conducted practical training in various places, my interests expanded beyond high school students to include elementary and junior high school students, children with disabilities, and adults managing stress. Only during university can you meet so many people and have so many different experiences. Students are encouraged to actively challenge themselves with anything that interests them.

If you want to enjoy university life with friends, talk to experts in various fields, and broaden your interests, then I think Obirin University is a great choice.

Sugiyama Tomokazu

Profile
In 2019, J. F. Oberlin University completed the master's program at the Graduate School of International Studies, Graduate School of Psychology. In 2022, completed the doctoral program in the Degree Program in International Academic Research (academic) program at the same university. Shunsuke Koseki Under Professor Toshie Ishikawa, he conducted research on stress management for high school students based on cognitive behavioral therapy.

[Editor's Note]

Ms. Sugiyama made a strong impression by passionately discussing her research topic. I look forward to the day when her dedicated research activities bear fruit and the circle of stress management spreads to schools across the country.

Interview date:
This took place in January 2023.

To children all across the countryStress managementI want to expand the circle

Main content

The research theme is stress management for fostering healthy minds in children.

I was fortunate to have supportive relationships and a field where I could immerse myself in research.

University is a time when you can meet many people, so "let's have lots of fun experiences!"

Related content

To children all across the country
Stress management
I want to expand the circle