Psychological Factors Associated with Social Withdrawal (Hikikomori)

Overview

Journal Psychiatry Investig

Specialty Psychiatry

Date 2021 May 31

PMID 34053211

Citations 8

Authors

Shunsuke Nonaka

Motohiro Sakai

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: Cases of prolonged social withdrawal (hikikomori) have recently been reported in several countries. This study examined the impact of cognitive-behavioral and emotional factors on hikikomori behavior to identify intervention targets. Identifying such targets could facilitate the development of techniques to address hikikomori characteristics.

Methods: Two hundred Japanese individuals (mean age=38.73, SD=6.85) completed the Adaptive Behaviors Scale for Hikikomori and Stress Response Scale-18, along with the Japanese versions of the Self-Compassion Scale (Short Form), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory. Participants were divided into two groups: individuals with no experience of social withdrawal, and those with experience of social withdrawal.

Results: Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that the use of instrumental support, behavioral disengagement stress coping skills, self-compassion, and psychological stress were associated with hikikomori behaviors. Furthermore, higher instrumental support levels, associated with a decrease in hikikomori behaviors, were found in the hikikomori group.

Conclusion: The use of instrumental support, behavioral disengagement stress coping skills, self-compassion, and psychological stress should be targeted in hikikomori prevention interventions. Moreover, encouragement for the use of instrumental support is needed for improving hikikomori.

Citing Articles

Relationship Between Social Withdrawal (Hikikomori), Personality, and Coping in an Adult Population.

Bonnaire C, Roignot Z Psychiatry Investig. 2023; 20(8):740-749.

PMID: 37614013 PMC: 10460979. DOI: 10.30773/pi.2023.0099.

Therapeutic comparison in psychological capital.

Chan G Front Psychiatry. 2023; 14:1114170.

PMID: 37608996 PMC: 10441124. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1114170.

Hikikomori: A Scientometric Review of 20 Years of Research.

Neoh M, Carollo A, Lim M, Esposito G Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023; 20(9).

PMID: 37174175 PMC: 10177810. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095657.

Risk factors of hikikomori among office workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A prospective online survey.

Kubo H, Katsuki R, Horie K, Yamakawa I, Tateno M, Shinfuku N Curr Psychol. 2022; :1-19.

PMID: 35919757 PMC: 9334542. DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03446-8.

Blood metabolic signatures of hikikomori, pathological social withdrawal.

Setoyama D, Matsushima T, Hayakawa K, Nakao T, Kanba S, Kang D Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2022; 23(1):14-28.

PMID: 35860171 PMC: 9286746. DOI: 10.1080/19585969.2022.2046978.

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