Association of socioeconomic factors with hikikomori in Japan from 2010–2019: a correlational study

Abstract

Background Although several surveys have suggested that socioeconomic factors function as background variables for the expression of hikikomori (prolonged social withdrawal), no research has directly examined whether socioeconomic indicators increase the occurrence of hikikomori. This study aimed to examine the relationship between socioeconomic factors and the expression of hikikomori using data covering a 10-year period. Methods We collected socioeconomic data between 2010 to 2019 from members of a multi-branch Japanese association for family members of hikikomori patients. Results The results of the partial correlation analysis and meta-analysis showed that the higher the unemployment rate, the greater the occurrence probability of hikikomori. Conclusion The findings suggest that socioeconomic factors relate to the increase in hikikomori, and that these factors should be included when identifying the individual or cultural factors that cause hikikomori.