Hikikomori and Peer-Supported Virtual Hangouts: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Web-Based Peer Support in a Japanese Sample

Abstract

Background:

Hikikomori, a globally emerging psychiatric syndrome, is characterised by near-complete withdrawal from social interaction. While various interventions exist, research on the effectiveness of peer support for psychological recovery remains limited. Furthermore, many individuals with hikikomori struggle to access or regularly attend traditional face-to-face support because of fears of going out or social anxiety, creating a critical gap in support provision that digital solutions are uniquely positioned to address.

Aims:

This study clarified the experiences of individuals with hikikomori who received web-based peer support in virtual hangouts, focussing on their satisfaction with the service and the influencing factors.

Method:

A web-based, self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted from October 2020 to September 2021 in Japan. The sample comprised 80 people with hikikomori. Participants reported sociodemographic and hikikomori-related information, psychological distress (Kessler 6, K6), reasons for hangout participation, service satisfaction level (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire with eight items–Japanese version, CSQ-8J), and hangout participation frequency. CSQ-8J scores were used to group participants as highly or less satisfied. Data were analysed using t-tests and chi-squared tests.

Results:

Participants in the highly satisfied group were significantly younger and reported an earlier onset of hikikomori or school non-attendance. The most common reason for hangout participation in the highly satisfied group was ‘referral from a support organisation or self-help group’. Participants in the less satisfied group tended to have higher mean K6 scores, but no statistically significant difference was found.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that virtual hangouts are effective in supporting people with hikikomori, particularly the youth, with high levels of satisfaction reported. This study highlights the significant potential of web-based peer support in overcoming traditional barriers, offering a more accessible and inclusive model for supporting individuals experiencing social withdrawal. To further increase efficacy, virtual hangouts could be combined with individual counselling and visiting support.