The hikikomori experience, as written by hikikomori individuals

: a thematic analysis of the Hikipos magazine

Abstract

Hikikomori is officially described as the voluntary social isolation of an individual who does not leave their home for more than six months. This situation has become a social phenomenon, which estimates an increasing number of reported cases around the world. Japan, where this phenomenon was first signaled, continues to be the country with the largest number of hikikomori individuals. The hikikomori issue has been studied in both psychiatric and sociological settings, with no clear consensus on whether it is a Japanese culturally bound issue or a psychopathology. Furthermore, there is still no a definite understanding of all the factors that lead so many individuals to withdraw from society. This study aimed to understand whether the hikikomori individuals' perspective on their own experience offers any insight that may be lacking in academic discussion. To do so, a thematic analysis was conducted on 10 issues of the hikikomori-produced Hikipos magazine. This dissertation proves that the hikikomori issue is a more nuanced issue than officially described and that the definition itself may be subject to change with context. Furthermore, the main factors that contribute to hikikomori behavior mostly stem from abusive and neglectful environments, in school, work, and especially, at home. These forms of abuse are not necessarily physical but do always involve some form of social exclusion that leads individuals to decide to alienate from others due to fear of confronting an environment in which they constantly fear failure. Finally, this study found that the most successful reintegration methods are done through creating “safe places” for hikikomori individuals to be themselves and re-learn social interaction. This study also found that the biggest hurdle is the prejudice against hikikomori individuals and against mental illness in Japan, which stems from socio-cultural values that may prove challenging to change. Although this study may be mostly limited to literature in the English language, it aims to present this discussion to as broad an audience as possible. Despite this study being specific to the hikikomori issue in Japan, there are likely to be similar socio-cultural conditions that can be proponents to the appearance of more hikikomori individuals in other countries.

Date of Award	25 Sept 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Marta Pedro (Supervisor)