MEMORIES OF JAPAN 1963 by Robert Huffstutter, which I would like much better without the frame, but oh well.
Speaking of Japan, a study from 2010 says of that country's populace, "In recent years, systematic reviews have found that social capital may be a useful factor in the prevention of mental illness." That observation could be extrapolated to just about any national community. The researchers were careful to avoid being hyper-emphatic, noting that "the present study used a cross-sectional design, so that we could not establish the temporal order of causality. In other words, the association between civic association membership and better mental health might have reflect reverse causation, i.e. the fact that individuals with better mental health status participated in groups, rather than the other way round (participation leading to improved mental health)." [Bold added.] Based on personal experience and general knowledge, I would say (unscientifically) that it's probably both.
Agrees with bold. Isn't it fabulous when researchers say common sense stuff in sciency jargon?
ReplyDeletePeople who are social and enjoy getting out of the house tend to socialize. People who don't feel socialable or want to engage with others tend not to socialize. Gripping stuff.
Basing an entire study focusing only on the cross section of society who socializes will render results about social people. Amazing.
YUP.
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