Hikikomori Phenomenon in East Asia: Regional Perspectives, Challenges, and Opportunities for Social Health Agencies

Frontiers in Psychiatry

T. Wing Lo¹  Takahiro A. Kato²  John Chee Meng Wong³  Paul Wai-Ching Wong⁴  Gloria Hongyee Chan⁵  Leoniek Kroneman⁶  Michelle Jing Si Wan⁷ 

[1] Department of Applied Social Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong;Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan;Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Health Systems, Singapore, Singapore;Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong;Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Caritas Institute of Higher Education, Kowloon, Hong Kong;NUS Mind-Science Centre, Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore;NUS Mind-Science Centre, Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore;

关键词: hikikomori;    social withdrawal;    youth;    Asia;    challenges;    opportunities;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00512

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Hikikomori, which originated in Japan, refers to the condition where youths withdraw into the home and do not participate in society for an extended period of time. Recent updates on hikikomori presentation within the region were exchanged at a Hikikomori Round Table and Regional Symposium (HRTRS) discussion late 2017, leading to this perspective paper. Hikikomori presents as an overall homogeneous construct, while diversity in clinical presentation exists across East Asian countries. We examined the various presentations, risk factors, theoretical frameworks, and classification issues about hikikomori. In particular, specific risk factors have emerged to some degree across the region, while some are more locale specific. We propose that hikikomori youths have differential onset and developmental patterns, potentially resulting in heterogeneous presentation. We briefly summarized existing interventions in the East Asian region. Intervention strategies need to be tailored to different subtypes. A multicomponent approach would address complexity, multifactorial onset, and development of the condition. The HRTRS presented to participating countries the opportunity to collectively work toward a more universal definition of the hikikomori condition and explored innovative ways to shape existing service structures. Opportunities for participating countries described pertain to early detection of cases, adoption of assessment tools, and improved intervention services.

【 授权许可】

Unknown