FY2025 Individual Special Research Grant Research Report (Professor Hisae Ono, School of Humanities)

Professor Hisae Ono of the School of Humanities conducted a study titled “Effectiveness of Online Interpersonal Counseling for COVID-19-Related Depressive Symptoms and Related Factors,” using an FY2025 Kwansei Gakuin University Individual Special Research Grant. This study was also supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research, KAKENHI Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C), No. 22K03136, for the period from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2026. The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the effectiveness of online interpersonal counseling in addressing the deterioration of mental health, including depressive symptoms, associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Interpersonal counseling is a structured, short-term counseling method that can be learned not only by clinical psychology specialists but also by other trained practitioners. If this counseling method can be provided online, it is expected to contribute broadly to mental health support during infectious disease outbreaks, disasters, and other situations in which face-to-face support may be difficult. In addition, to clarify the theoretical basis for the effectiveness of interpersonal counseling, this study also examines factors related to the deterioration of mental health associated with COVID-19. In FY2025, the research produced four published papers, three academic conference presentations, and a research seminar for the general public. Going forward, Professor Ono plans to further consolidate the research findings and aims to publish them in international academic journals.