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

Abstract 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. Two groups were compared: the control group (n= 101 participants, mean age ± SD = 36.2 ± 12.8 years) was recruited from several general Facebook groups, and the Hikikomori group (n = 28, mean age ± SD = 30.1 ± 9.1 years) from a private group dedicated to Hikikomori. Participants of both groups completed the Big Five Inventory, the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Univariate regression analysis revealed that depression, anxiety, neuroticism (and the anxiety facet), self-blame, and behavioral disengagement were significant predictors of Hikikomori. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the psychological functioning of Hikikomori as well as to treatment elaboration.