The process of reconnecting middle-aged hikikomori individuals with the society

Abstract

  The purpose of this study was to clarify the process of transforming from a state of middle-aged hikikomori to societal reconnection. Three middle-aged hikikomori individuals participated in the study, each of whom experienced two semi-structured interviews of approximately 90 minutes each. The survey enquired about the triggers of hikikomori, lifestyle during hikikomori, and the process that led to the support organization. The analysis, using the trajectory equifinality model, revealed the effect of social anxiety on the hikikomori’s life, the participants’ struggle to step outside their house despite social norms, and their parents’ desire to let them out of the house. The results showed that issues in middle age, such as the realization of aging towards oneself and one’s parents, and the parents’ explicit recognition of the limits of support, crucially affected the transformation of consciousness to reconnect with society, during the long period of social withdrawal. The importance of continuously maintaining a flexible relationship with supporters was suggested, for smoothly providing support without losing the opportunity to gain this kind of awareness.