The suitability of outing frequency as a definition of hikikomori (prolonged social withdrawal).

ABSTRACT: Recent research has employed outing frequency, referred to in this study as one's frequency of going out of the home, as a condition to define and determine the severity of hikikomori (prolonged social withdrawal). However, there is little definitive evidence on this topic. Furthermore, compared to the previous definition, it is unclear how the scope of hikikomori included in the proposed condition differs. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between hikikomori tendencies and the frequency and quality of outings to bridge this gap in research.

Methods

Data included 397 self-rated online samples, 72 self-rated offline samples, and 784 parent-rated samples. Quantitative and qualitative indicators of outings and subjective social functioning impairment were used in the

SUBMITTER: Nonaka S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10061135 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature