Exploring the Cognitive and Behavioral Risks and Maintenance Factors of Hikikomori: Protocol for an Ecological...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Hikikomori is a global phenomenon of severe social withdrawal, often co-occurring with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
• Existing research suggests links to emotion regulation, family dynamics, and internet use, but longitudinal data is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the affective, behavioral, and cognitive factors associated with hikikomori symptoms.
• To explore how daily mood, social enjoyment, family support, and internet usage patterns maintain social withdrawal.

Main Methods:

• 84 participants (18-60 years) completed baseline surveys on hikikomori, internet addiction, depression, anxiety, autism, and fear of offending.
• 14-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) captured mood, internet behavior, social interactions, and enjoyment 5 times daily.
• Post-monitoring surveys re-assessed hikikomori symptoms.

Main Results:

• Correlation and regression analyses will identify predictors of hikikomori symptoms, including internet addiction, social anxiety, and daily mood.
• Time-lagged network analyses will examine temporal dynamics and differences between high and low hikikomori symptom groups.
• Logistic regressions will determine factors predicting future social behavior.

Conclusions:

• This study pioneers longitudinal investigation into hikikomori mechanisms and time-varying relationships.
• Results will offer initial evidence for predictive factors and candidate mechanisms underlying hikikomori.
• Identified maintenance factors can inform targeted interventions for social withdrawal.