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Subject | Humanities & Social Sciences, Medicine & Health
Psychology of Cosmetic Behavior
- Psychophysiology
- Perceptual Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Cosmetic Therapy
- Fragrance
Cosmetic-related behavior, hereafter, cosmetic behavior has been a familiar practice throughout human history across different cultures and eras. Although it is not the main theme of psychology, it is a subject that involves diverse areas of psychology, so you can learn about various areas of psychology through psychological research on cosmetic behavior. In this course, We will discuss our psychological research. The course will not only cover psychological aspects but will also touch upon history and culture. Additionally, we will occasionally take detours to explore topics crucial to understanding cosmetic behavior, such as the psychology of stress and emotions, and we will also introduce how research in cosmetic behavior is applied within society. We hope to help you gain a broad understanding of psychology through the lens of cosmetic behavior, a familiar daily practice, while deepening your comprehension of this act.
©Tohoku University. Last Update
2026-04-02
Content／学習内容
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We will overview the long history of cosmetic behavior from animals and ancient humans to modern cosmetic behavior.
- 1-0. Introduction
- 1-1. Cosmetic behavior in Animals and Ancient Humans
- 1-2. History of Cosmetic Behavior Overview (1): Water and Oil in Japan and the West
- 1-3. History of Cosmetic Behavior Overview (2): Plato and Cosmetic Behavior
- 1-4. Birth of Skincare and Nurturing Cosmetic Behavior
- 1-5. History of Baths
- 1-6. “Public” Western Dress vs. “Private and Ceremonial” Japanese Dress
- 1-7. Implicit Dress Code
- 1-8. Modern Habits of Cosmetic Behavior: The Present in Japan and in the World
- 1-9. From "Beauty vs. Health" to "Health through Beauty"
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After reviewing the psychology of stress and emotions, we will explore how skincare can alleviate stress. In addition, I will introduce the psychology of olfaction as it relates to fragrances.
- 2-0. Introduction
- 2-1. Basics of Emotional Psychology (1): Sympathetic-adrenal-medullary Axis and the HPA Axis
- 2-2. Basics of Emotional Psychology (2): The Genesis of Emotional Experience
- 2-3-1. Intersecting Histories of Psychology and Tohoku University, Part1
- 2-3-2. Intersecting Histories of Psychology and Tohoku University, Part2
- 2-4. Ancient Stress and Modern Stress
- 2-5-1. Stress Hormone Trigger Button: Experiments with Video and Public Speech, Part1
- 2-5-2. Stress Hormone Trigger Button: Experiments with Video and Public Speech, Part2
- 2-6. Daily Hassles and Daily Uplifts
- 2-7. Morning Skincare and Evening Skincare
- 2-8. Relaxation Effects of Beauty Massage
- 2-9. Relaxation Effects of Fragrance
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Makeup, in the extreme, is simply the act of placing color on the face. Despite this, it can make your eyes look bigger and change your impression completely. We will consider this mysterious mechanism based on the psychology of optical illusions.
- 3-0. Introduction
- 3-1. What is a Face? (1) Radar and Screen
- 3-2. What is a Face? (2) The “Seat of Personality”
- 3-3. Ways to Make Eyes Look Bigger (1) The Basics of Illusion
- 3-4. Ways to Make Eyes Look Bigger (2) The Magic of Eyeshadow
- 3-5. The Three Principles of Attractiveness: Is Makeup about Contrast?
- 3-6. Facial Map
- 3-7. Application of the Facial Map: Dogs, Clothing, and Fragrance
- 3-8. The Science of "Tokimeki (a flutter)"
- 3-9. The Mere Exposure Effect of Fragrance
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We will broadly consider the role of cosmetic behavior in society, including makeup therapy for mental health recovery, the impact of makeup during the Great East Japan Earthquake, and questions surrounding anti-aging.
- 4-0. Introduction
- 4-1. Cosmetic Therapy (1): Facial Nerve Paralysis
- 4-2. Cosmetic Therapy (2):Senile Dementia
- 4-3. Aging and Senescence (1): Aesthetic Of Youth Worship
- 4-4. Aging and Senescence (2): Smart Aging
- 4-5. A Time of Relaxation
- 4-6. Disaster and Cosmetic Behavior
- 4-7. Men's Makeup
- 4-8. Cosmetic Behavior and Personality
- 4-9. Final Summary：Cosmetic Behavior as an Emotion Control Device Built in Daily Life
Staff／スタッフ
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- Teacher
Tsuneyuki AbeTohoku University Graduate School of Arts and LettersProfessor
※The teachers’ affiliations and titles are current as of the time of recording.
Contact／お問合せ先
Center for the Advancement of Open Online Education, Tohoku University
Email: secretary.mooc@grp.tohoku.ac.jp
