# Hikikomori Risk in the UK

## TL;DR

This study examines hikikomori risk in UK young adults and validates a shorter screening tool for identifying social withdrawal symptoms.

## Contribution

The study validates and refines the Hikikomori Risk Inventory-13 (HRI-13) for use in the UK population.

## Key findings

- The HRI-13 showed strong validity and a perfect correlation with the original HRI-24.
- HRI-13 scores correlated with depression, anxiety, and avoidant coping behaviors.
- The tool may miss risks unrelated to negative affect.

## Abstract

Hikikomori syndrome involves voluntary withdrawal from social life, school and work, with onset typically in young adulthood. Hikikomori risk has not been examined in the UK, and these studies aimed to validate and refine the Hikikomori Risk Inventory-24 (HRI-24) screening tool in UK young adults.

In Study 1, participants (n = 341) completed the HRI-24. Item analysis and confirmatory factor analysis resulted in a shorter 13-item HRI (HRI-13), which demonstrated a perfect correlation with the full HRI-24. Both the HRI-13 and HRI-24 showed strong convergent and divergent validity, correlating with depression, anxiety, avoidant coping and negative early life factors.

Study 2 (n = 228) found a significant positive correlation between HRI-13 scores and modern-type depression, typified by social avoidance and often comorbid with technology-based addictions.

Both HRI-13 and HRI-24 effectively capture hikikomori risks related to negative affect and anxiety but may have limitations in identifying risks unrelated to negative affect.