Adolescents at risk of social withdrawal: early warning signs, risk factors, and intervention strategies

Abstract

The hikikomori phenomenon, which is now widespread globally, describes a condition of prolonged voluntary self-enclosure in which the individual deliberately locks himself in his room, avoiding all forms of contact with the outside world. This prolonged isolation represents a dysfunctional response to social pressures and experiences of inadequacy. The present study aimed to identify adolescents vulnerable to social withdrawal and to explore their main attitudes and behaviour through the administration of the Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ). The results highlight two distinct groups of subjects: low and high risk of isolation. High-risk subjects are those who show low socialization, high isolation, and a lack of emotional support. These signs, which are often underestimated, are important predictors of self-exclusion. Based on the results that emerged, there is a need for specific educational interventions aimed at strengthening self-esteem, empowerment, and resilience, and that also involve school and family. Preventing hikikomori means creating contexts capable of recognizing and enhancing adolescent fragility.