Association Between Loneliness and Hikikomori Symptoms. A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
André Hajek, Hans‐Helmut KönigABSTRACT
Objectives
A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted to investigate the association between loneliness and hikikomori symptoms.
Methods
We searched three electronic databases (plus hand search). Our review followed the PRISMA guidelines, and a PROSPERO registration was made. We included observational studies determining the association between loneliness and hikikomori symptoms.
Results
Eight cross‐sectional studies were finally included. Our psychometric meta‐analysis revealed a mean corrected correlation of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.62 to 0.74). The mean corrected correlations of loneliness with the subscales socialization, isolation, and emotional support were 0.54 (95% CI: 0.50 to 0.58), 0.62 (95% CI: 0.60 to 0.64), and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.67 to 0.75), respectively. The mean corrected correlation for the association between loneliness and hikikomori symptoms was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.62 to 0.70) among European countries, whereas it was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.81 to 0.99) among Asian countries. Five of the studies were of good quality, and three were of fair quality.
Conclusion
Our work identified a strong, positive association between loneliness and hikikomori symptoms. Upcoming longitudinal studies are required to clarify the directionality between such factors. There is also a clear need for research in regions that have been neglected so far.