The Concerning Global Rise of Hikikomori Syndrome
Hikikomori syndrome could be contributing to a wave of loneliness.
Updated April 24, 2024 | Reviewed by Abigail Fagan
“I became a hiki after dropping out of high school at 16,” writes a Reddit user, “I’m 37 now with the mind of a 16-year-old. Two decades and I’ve done nothing, never had a kiss, never got a job, just spent every day online. It does not get better.”
The term “ Hikikomori ,” originating from Japan, is a portmanteau of the words “ hiki ” (to withdraw) and “ komori ” (to be inside), collectively referring to “people who withdraw from society.”
Hikikomori is a cultural syndrome, studied extensively in Japan, now spreading worldwide with the use of social media , exacerbating the already growing problem of of loneliness .
The Global Spread of Hikikomori Syndrome
According to a 2023 study published in Clinical Child and Family Psychological Review , hikikomori is an extreme form of social withdrawal influenced by a range of factors including:
Hikikomori is marked by a persistent refusal to leave home for over six months, disinterest in most activities, dropping out of school, quitting work to stay indoors, and dependency on one’s family without any plans for self-reliance.
A 2022 Japanese cabinet survey uncovered that approximately 1.46 million recluses exist in Japan within the 15-64 age bracket. Additionally, a 2019 survey indicated that 613,000 Japanese adults between 40 and 64 also fell into the category known as “adult hikikomori.”
The survey also sheds light on the”80-50 phenomenon” where parents in their 80s are taking care of their children in their 50s. Though the sample selection criteria were different in each survey, the implications are clear—all age groups are affected by hikikomori syndrome to some extent.
“What will he do when I’m gone or if I start having to rely on help from others?” says a 77-year-old widowed mother and survey participant, expressing concerns about her old age and leaving behind her 53-year-old alone without anyone to take care of him.
Just last year, South Korea’s Ministry of Gender Equality and Family launched a program offering a $490 monthly allowance to reclusive youth to reintegrate them into society, attend school and seek employment.
Furthermore, the syndrome is not solely confined to Japan but is gradually spreading to most digitally connected countries globally, including the USA, China, India, Brazil, and other European countries.
Why People Become Hikikomori
A 2019 study published in the journal Frontiers of Psychology suggests that hikikomori is primarily associated with one’s interpersonal relationships and that such individuals also display suicidal risk factors. Another study suggests that being hikikomori is marked by:
How to Reintegrate Hikikomori Into Society
It’s important to note that not all hikikomori are resistant to treatment; in fact, a significant number seek help but may be unsure how to access it or question their ability to do so. Research proposes that there is hope in the fact that many hikikomori individuals live with family members, suggesting that the healing journey can begin at home.
Here are three ways for hikikomori can, gradually and with care, start leaving their homes:
The phenomenon of hikikomori underscores the critical importance of strong social support networks and prioritizing mental health awareness across the world. It is essential to create environments where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to seek the help they deserve.
A version of this post also appears on Forbes.com.
Facebook image: CandyRetriever/Shutterstock
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Mark Travers, Ph.D., is an American psychologist with degrees from Cornell University and the University of Colorado Boulder.
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This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.