Hikikomori: Multidimensional Understanding, Assessment and Future International Perspectives

Authors

Takahiro A. Kato, Kyushu University
Shigenobu Kanba, Kyushu University
Alan R. Teo, OHSU-PSU School of Public HealthFollow

Sponsor

Innovative Areas ‘Will‐Dynamics’ of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, Japan. Grant Number: JP16H06403, Syogaisya‐Taisaku‐Sogo‐Kenkyu‐Kaihatsu‐Jigyo. Grant Numbers: JP17dk0307073, JP18dk0307075, Yugo‐No. Grant Number: JP18dm0107095, KAKENHI – the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. Grant Numbers: JP26713039, PJ15K15431, JP16H03741, JP18H04042, JP16H02666, Career Development Award. Grant Number: CDA 14‐428

Published In

Psychiatry And Clinical Neurosciences

Document Type

Citation

Publication Date

5-31-2019

Abstract

Hikikomori, a severe form of social withdrawal, has long been observed in Japan mainly among youth and adolescence since around the 1970s, and especially highlighted since the late 1990s. Moreover, hikikomori-like cases have recently been reported in many other countries. Hikikomori negatively influences not only the individual's mental health and social participation, but also wider education and workforce stability, and as such is a novel urgent global issue. In this review, we introduce the history, definition, diagnostic evaluation and interventions for hikikomori and also international prevalence of hikikomori outside Japan. We propose a hypothesis regarding the globalization of hikikomori based on domestic and international perspectives. In addition, we introduce our latest assessment system for hikikomori (including the latest version of the "proposed diagnostic criteria of hikikomori for the future DSM/ICD diagnostic systems"), and we propose therapeutic strategies including family approaches and individualized therapies. Finally, we present future challenges that may lead to solutions for an internationalized hikikomori.

Description

Copyright © 1999-2019 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved

Locate the Document

https://doi.org/10.1111/pcn.12895

DOI

10.1111/pcn.12895

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/29231

Citation Details

Kato, T. A., Kanba, S., & Teo, A. R. (2019). Hikikomori : Multidimensional understanding, assessment, and future international perspectives. Psychiatry And Clinical Neurosciences.