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

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.