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

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between personality dimensions, coping strategies, and Hikikomori while controlling for the presence of depression and anxiety.Methods Two groups, recruited on social networks, were compared: the control group (n=101, mean age±standard deviation [SD]= 36.2±12.8 years) and the Hikikomori group (n=28, mean age±SD=30.1±9.1 years). Participants of both groups completed the Big Five Inventory, the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.Results The Hikikomori group had higher depression, anxiety, neuroticism, and dysfunctional coping dimension (self-blame and behavioral disengagement) scores than the control group. Being alone and depression were positively associated with Hikikomori while extraversion and instrumental support were negatively associated with Hikikomori.Conclusion These findings contribute to a better understanding of the psychological functioning of Hikikomori as well as to treatment elaboration and confirm that some psychological characteristics are transcultural.