Hikikomori (ひきこもり): A term used to refer to acute social withdrawal prevalent among teenagers and adults.The term hikikomori is most commonly used in Japan, where the phenomenon is well-documented. The common equivalent terms used in the English-speaking world are shut-in or hermit, though some English-speaking people refer themselves as being hikikomori.
Traits
Hikikomori don't leave their homes for lengthy periods of time; this is a contrast from general recluses who leave from time-to-time.
A hikikomori-sufferer's seclusion typically lasts for months, years or decades. Any amount of seclusion under a month usually isn't considered as being hikikomori-like.
Some hikikomori leave their homes, but only when necessary. They lose friends, quit their jobs, quit school, become anxious and in some cases, cut contact off from their family.
Possible causes
A combination of the below possible causes could be contributing factors for someone becoming a hikikomori.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety has long been a reason for people not being able to have normal social lives.
It can range from moderate to severe. In the most severe cases, it can hinder people from going outside completely.
Depression
Hikikomori sufferers are typically, if not always, depressed.
There is a high incidence of suicide among hikikomori, which reflects the depressive state of the sufferers.
Post traumatic stress disorder
Hikikomori often suffer from PTSD.
Post traumatic disorder in the hikikomori usually develops when the person has been in one or more bad social situations at school or at the workforce. Extreme bullying towards a person can force them to become a hikikomori.
ASDs
Hikikomori very often have ASDs (Autism Spectrum Disorders). ASDs cause people to have poor communication skills.
Many people view ASD sufferers as being naive. They often are taken advantage of, mistreated and bullied. This leads ASD sufferers to choose a life of seclusion and become hikikomori.
Agoraphobia
People have suggested that agoraphobia is a contributing cause for people choosing to lead hikikikomori lifestyles.
Hikikomori, like agoraphobics, often experience a traumatic event which "triggers" them to become hikikomori. After experiencing one or more traumatic events in a social setting, they feel like they must be in their "safe place", which is any non-social setting.
PTSD caused by a traumatic event often leads to agoraphobia.
Employment
Hikikomori are typically unemployed. They usually receive disability, welfare or are financially supported by their parents.
Hikikomori who get out of their reclusive lifestyles can re-enter the workforce, but they usually require lots of preparation before doing so.
Prevalence in Japan
Psychologist Tamaki Saitō, claimed that there may be one million hikikomori in Japan. representing 1% of the Japanese population. Some people criticize Saito's claims since he admitted in his autobiography that he made up the figures to draw attention to the phenomenon. However, he claims to have based the figure on the number of people with schizophrenia in Japanese society, somehow convincing him that there were just as many hikikomori.
Hikikomori-related figures are unfortunately only available for Japan at point in time.
Misconceptions
People (mostly the media) have misinformed the public about the hikikomori phenomenon.
Some common misconceptions about the phenomenon are that:
* Hikikomori are adolescents * Hikikomori are male * Hikikomori are otakus * Hikikomori are violent * Hikikomori can't be helped * Hikikomori enjoy their way of life * Hikikomori is a Japan-only phenomenon * Hikikomori leave their homes at night
The hikikomori phenomenon: does it only happen in Japan?
The hikikomori phenomenon doesn't only happen in Japan. It's commonly believed that only the Japanese can become hikikomori, but there's been reports of people all over the globe living hikikomori-like lifestyles.
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