Development of the affinity for hikikomori scale in university students

Abstract

This study was designed to develop a new measure to assess the affinity for hikikomori in university students. Undergraduates (n＝267) completed items inquiring the affinity for hikikomori, and measures of school non-attendance, depression, quality of life, and relationships with friends. The Affinity for Hikikomori Scale in University Students was developed based on the results of exploratory factor analyses. The scale was composed of two subscales: Desire for hikikomori and empathy for others with hikikomori. Total score on the Affinity for Hikikomori Scale in University Students and desire for hikikomori subscale score were positively correlated with average number of absence from each classes. Additionally, total and subscale scores of the scale were higher among students that had experienced school non-attendance than those without such experiences. These findings indicated the adequate construct validity of the scale. Furthermore, total scale score and desire for hikikomori subscale score were associated with increased depression and decreased quality of life and satisfaction with friend relationships. In contrast, empathy for others with hikikomori did not deteriorate the adaptation of participants.