Hikikomori, der extreme soziale Rückzug, wird bei jungen Erwachsenen auf der ganzen Welt immer mehr zu einem anerkannten Problem. Wirtschaftliche Sorgen schaffen ein äußerst stressiges Umfeld für Menschen, die das Erwachsenenalter erreichen. Die Fähigkeit eines Menschen, mit Stress umzugehen, blockiert den Weg von depressiven Symptomen bis hin zu schwerer Isolation.

Hikikomori: Can psychological resilience prevent extreme social withdrawal?

Extreme social withdrawal is becoming a recognized issue among young adults around the world. A recent study suggests that a person’s ability to cope with stress blocks the path from depressive symptoms to severe isolation. The research was published in the journal BMC Psychology.

The term hikikomori originated in Japan in the late 1990s. It describes a condition where people intentionally withdraw from everyday life. People experiencing this state often confine themselves to their homes or bedrooms for six months or longer. Originally, experts thought this behavior was unique to Japanese culture.

Recent global data paints a different picture. Estimates suggest that nearly eight percent of people worldwide might experience this type of severe social withdrawal. The shift from a localized issue to a global one has prompted mental health professionals to look for shared psychological triggers. Structural changes in modern society seem to play a major role in this growing trend.

Shifting economic conditions and highly competitive educational environments create immense pressure on young people. The normalization of digital communication and online living also makes it easier for people to avoid face to face interaction. This combination of structural factors leaves many individuals vulnerable to retreating from the outside world. The expectation to succeed can become too heavy a burden for some to carry.

Developmental psychologists point out that the years between 18 and 34 are particularly difficult. This life stage is marked by changing roles, shifting identities, and numerous psychosocial challenges. When young adults fail to meet societal or personal expectations, they can experience profound disappointment. This disappointment can act as a catalyst for a lifestyle of complete seclusion.

Depression is closely associated with this kind of extreme isolation. A depressed mood limits a person’s motivation to engage with others and drains their physical energy. At the same time, prolonged isolation cuts people off from support networks, which then deepens their feelings of sadness. The relationship operates in a cycle that is difficult to break.

The data revealed clear patterns between mood and social activity. Higher levels of depression were strongly associated with lower scores on the social adaptation scale. Young adults reporting more depressive symptoms were much less likely to participate in social activities. They tended to shy away from everyday interactions and family communication.

Conversely, psychological resilience acted as a robust emotional shield. Participants who scored high on the resilience scale reported much healthier levels of day to day social engagement. These individuals maintained their connections and continued to set personal goals despite experiencing stress. Coping skills appeared to keep them anchored to the outside world.

The researchers then used mathematical models to test how these three factors interact with one another. They found that resilience acts as a bridge between a depressed mood and the act of withdrawing from society. Depression does not simply cause a person to lock themselves in a room. Instead, depression drains a person’s psychological resilience.

When this internal coping mechanism is weakened, the individual becomes much more likely to pull away from society. If a person manages to maintain their resilience, the link between depressive symptoms and extreme isolation breaks down. This finding positions emotional coping skills as an essential target for mental health treatments. Strengthening a young adult’s flexibility could keep depressive feelings from spiraling into chronic withdrawal.

The authors noted that sociocultural factors in Turkey might exacerbate the risk of social retreat for young adults. Economic worries and high youth unemployment create a highly stressful environment for people entering adulthood. Many young adults in the country continue to live with their parents for extended periods due to financial constraints. This living situation can limit their personal privacy and delay their independence.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40359-026-04165-6