Hikikomori Syndrome: Crisis of Belonging and Phenomenology of Loneliness in the Contemporary World

Abstract

Introduction: Hikikomori syndrome, a condition of extreme and prolonged social withdrawal, is recognized as a global public health challenge. In its essence, it is not merely physical isolation but a profound psychological state rooted in the painful experience of loneliness, alienation, and a lack of belonging, which makes the psychology of loneliness a key perspective for its understanding.

 Aim: The aim of this review paper is to provide a comprehensive analysis of hikikomori syndrome from the perspective of the psychology of loneliness, using the biopsychosocial paradigm as the leading integrative framework for understanding its complex etiology, manifestations, and consequences.

 Materials and Methods: The paper is designed as an integrative literature review based on narrative synthesis. A search of relevant scientific papers was conducted using electronic databases (Google Scholar, PsycINFO, Scopus, PubMed), with the goal of including methodologically and geographically diverse studies to provide a global perspective on the phenomenon.

 Results: The analysis confirmed that the etiology of hikikomori is multifactorial, arising from the interaction of biological (e.g., neurodevelopmental predispositions), psychological (e.g., identity crisis, trauma, loneliness), and socio-cultural factors (e.g., family and societal pressures). Significant progress has been made in the field of measurement with the development of validated instruments (e.g., HQ-25, HiDE), which allow for more precise diagnostics and differentiation between pathological and non-pathological withdrawal.

 Conclusion: Hikikomori syndrome is a manifestation of a deep crisis of belonging in the modern world. Addressing it requires a multidimensional, individualized therapeutic approach focused on improving quality of life, as well as broader societal changes that promote mental health and reduce the pressures that lead to isolation.