◆Research findings by Professor Junichi Hirose Faculty of Education Integrated Sciences and Regional Faculty of Education, have been published in the online edition of the international journal *Discover Education*
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The transmission of knowledge and skills that are respected and passed down within the community,
The potential impact on people's curiosity and sense of well-being
—From a survey conducted in the Reihoku region of Kochi Prefecture—
総合科学系地域協働教育学部門の廣瀬淳一教授は、高知県嶺北地域に暮らす住民を対象に、地域で生活するうえで尊敬され・継承される知識や技能の伝承が、人々の探求心（inquisitiveness）（注１）、次世代への関心（generativity）、そして主観的幸福感（SWB: Subjective Well-Being）とどのように関連しているかを調査しました。
A key feature of this study is that it developed a unique scale, in collaboration with residents and town hall staff, to measure the knowledge and skills that are respected and passed down within the community. The study analyzed valid responses collected from 484 participants and conducted statistical analyses using regression analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM). The results yielded the following findings:
● A high degree of forward-thinking may be associated with a high level of subjective well-being.
●Curiosity may be associated with subjective well-being through the next-generation dimension.
●People who have inherited skills and knowledge cherished within their communities may be linked to subjective well-being through their sense of curiosity and commitment to future generations.
These findings suggest that the knowledge and skills passed down within local communities may go beyond the mere transmission of practical life skills; they may also play a role in fostering the human resources necessary for a sustainable society and in cultivating a sense of attachment to the community.
This study not only reaffirms the importance of community-based education and intergenerational exchange, but also offers academic insights into the global movement toward building sustainable communities. Moving forward, we plan to continue collaborating with local communities to conduct research that contributes to the creation of a sustainable and resilient society through the development of policy recommendations and educational programs grounded in academic knowledge.
This study was published online on September 30 in the international journal *Discover Education*, published by Springer Nature.
Note 1: Inquisitiveness refers to a trait characterized by curiosity-driven inquiry, interpersonal relationships, practical engagement, and a proactive attitude toward the environment.
[Paper Information]
Title: Inquisitiveness, Generativity, and Subjective Well-Being in Relation to Intergenerational Skills and Knowledge: Evidence from a Rural Japanese Community (The Potential Role of the Transmission of Community-Specific Skills and Knowledge in People’s Inquisitiveness and Well-Being: Evidence from a Study in the Reihoku Region of Kochi Prefecture)
著 者：廣瀬 淳一（高知大学 教育研究部総合科学系地域協働教育学部門）
Published in: Discover Education
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00811-0
Release Date: September 30, 2025