Exploring cognitive and behavioural risk and maintenance factors of Hikikomori

Hikikomori is a state of social withdrawal first identified in Japan, though gaining interest globally. Hikikomori shares cognitive and behavioural symptoms with common mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, as well as schizophrenia, autism and internet gaming disorder. Case studies and cross-sectional studies suggest emotion regulation, familial support and internet behaviours are proposed to contribute to the onset and maintenance of a withdrawn state, though they have not been explored longitudinally. This study will investigate the relationship between previously hypothesised risk factors and hikikomori symptoms, as well as explore the temporal dynamics between daily mood, behaviour and social withdrawal.