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.MethodsData 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 analysis.ResultsThe cut-off points supported the criteria for the number of days outside the home proposed in previous studies. The results revealed that the outing frequency condition excluded about 14.5–20.6% of those previously considered to have hikikomori. Logistic regression analysis showed that low outings with interpersonal interaction, low frequency of outings, and high subjective social functioning impairment consistently predicted hikikomori. However, outings without interpersonal interaction did not predict hikikomori.ConclusionThese results indicate that outing frequency tends to be suitable as one of the conditions for hikikomori. However, they indicate that we should also focus on the quality of outings, that is, outings with or without interpersonal interaction, to evaluate hikikomori consistently with previous findings. Further research is needed to clarify the appropriate frequency of outings to define hikikomori and determine its severity.

Shifting the paradigm of social withdrawal: a new era of coexisting pathological and non-pathological hikikomori

“…Definitions of the Japan's Cabinet Office survey (2018, 2019, 2022) and The MHLW definition (2010) includes such persons as hikikomori [ 20 ]. Nonaka and Sakai have also suggested the importance of assessing the frequency of outings in more details [ 56 ▪ ]. Thus, we have herein added the above new underlined sentences on the original definition in Kato et al Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2019 & Kato et al World Psychiatry 2020 [ 3 , 38 ▪▪ ].…”

Chaos and confusion in Hikikomori research. Commentary on “The suitability of outing frequency as a definition of hikikomori (prolonged social withdrawal)”

“…The recent article of Nonaka and Sakai ( 1 ) entitled “The suitability of outing frequency as a definition of hikikomori (prolonged social withdrawal),” published in Frontiers in Psychiatry (Section of Psychopathology) represents a significant analysis of the usefulness of outing frequency for the definition of hikikomori. Previously published data were used for a secondary analysis focused on the number of days individuals went out per week and qualitative indicators of outings as indicated by going to places that require or do not require interpersonal interactions.…”