A psychosocial model of hikikomori: Mediating and moderating roles of psychological resilience and sociodemographic factors among Turkish adults

Abstract

Hikikomori, characterized by prolonged social withdrawal, has emerged as a global psychosocial concern extending beyond Japan. This study examined a psychosocial model linking perceived social support, psychological resilience, and hikikomori tendency among Turkish adults. Data from 503 participants were analyzed using the HQ-25, Brief Resilience Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Hayes’ PROCESS macro (Models 4, 7, and 14) tested mediation and moderated mediation effects. Results indicated that perceived social support was positively associated with resilience and negatively associated with hikikomori tendency. Psychological resilience partially mediated this relationship. Education and income moderated the association between social support and resilience, whereas age moderated the indirect pathway involving resilience and hikikomori tendency. These findings suggest that social and psychological resources are meaningfully associated with social withdrawal tendencies. Higher perceived social support and resilience may be relevant correlates of lower hikikomori tendency in both Turkish and broader cultural contexts.