From withdrawal to web: A cross-sectional study of Hikikomori tendencies, social cynicism, and problematic internet use among young adults in Singapore.

IF 2.7 4区 医学 Q2 PSYCHIATRY
Izzat Morshidi, Kuhanesan Naidu, Samuel George Embleton, Anthony Millar
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Hikikomori, marked by intense social withdrawal and isolation, was first reported in Japan and has since been identified globally, including in Singapore. While excessive internet use has been proposed as a potential contributing factor, its influence remains contested. Rather, a person's negative and cynical view of their social environment may better explain the tendency to withdraw which is mediated by internet use.

Aims: This study investigates social cynicism as a potential antecedent of Hikikomori among Singaporean adults, exploring whether problematic internet use mediates this relationship.

Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design with a sample of 229 adults in Singapore, using validated measures to assess levels of social cynicism, problematic internet use, and Hikikomori tendencies. Path analyses were applied to determine both direct and mediated effects.

Results: Results indicated that social cynicism and problematic internet use significantly predicted Hikikomori tendencies, with social cynicism having a stronger effect. Furthermore, internet use partially mediated the relationship between social cynicism and Hikikomori, suggesting that while internet use contributes, social cynicism exerts a more robust influence on Hikikomori tendencies in Singapore.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of addressing social cynicism in interventions to mitigate Hikikomori in Singapore. Targeting cynical beliefs about societal environments may enhance social integration and reduce the prevalence of social withdrawal. Future research and interventions should thus prioritize addressing these cynical perspectives to support well-being and reduce Hikikomori in the Singaporean context.

从退缩到网络:新加坡年轻人中隐蔽青年倾向、社会犬儒主义和有问题的互联网使用的横断面研究。
背景:以强烈的社会退缩和孤立为特征的“隐蔽青年”最早在日本被报道,后来在包括新加坡在内的全球范围内被发现。虽然过度使用互联网被认为是一个潜在的促成因素,但其影响仍然存在争议。相反,一个人对其社会环境的消极和愤世嫉俗的看法可能更好地解释了网络使用所导致的退缩倾向。目的:本研究调查了新加坡成年人中社会犬儒主义作为“隐蔽青年”的潜在前因,探讨有问题的网络使用是否介导了这种关系。方法:该研究采用横断面设计,以229名新加坡成年人为样本,使用有效的测量方法来评估社会玩世不恭、有问题的互联网使用和“隐蔽青年”倾向的水平。通径分析用于确定直接效应和中介效应。结果:社会犬儒主义和问题性网络使用对隐蔽青年倾向有显著的预测作用,其中社会犬儒主义的影响更强。此外,网络使用部分地中介了社会犬儒主义与“隐蔽青年”之间的关系,这表明尽管网络使用有所贡献,但社会犬儒主义对新加坡的“隐蔽青年”倾向的影响更大。结论:这些发现强调了在干预措施中解决社会犬儒主义的重要性,以减轻新加坡的“隐蔽青年”。针对社会环境的愤世嫉俗的信念可以促进社会融合,减少社会退缩的流行。因此,未来的研究和干预应优先解决这些愤世嫉俗的观点,以支持新加坡的福祉和减少“隐蔽青年”。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
12.30
自引率
1.30%
发文量
120
期刊介绍: The International Journal of Social Psychiatry, established in 1954, is a leading publication dedicated to the field of social psychiatry. It serves as a platform for the exchange of research findings and discussions on the influence of social, environmental, and cultural factors on mental health and well-being. The journal is particularly relevant to psychiatrists and multidisciplinary professionals globally who are interested in understanding the broader context of psychiatric disorders and their impact on individuals and communities. Social psychiatry, as a discipline, focuses on the origins and outcomes of mental health issues within a social framework, recognizing the interplay between societal structures and individual mental health. The journal draws connections with related fields such as social anthropology, cultural psychiatry, and sociology, and is influenced by the latest developments in these areas. The journal also places a special emphasis on fast-track publication for brief communications, ensuring that timely and significant research can be disseminated quickly. Additionally, it strives to reflect its international readership by publishing state-of-the-art reviews from various regions around the world, showcasing the diverse practices and perspectives within the psychiatric disciplines. This approach not only contributes to the scientific understanding of social psychiatry but also supports the global exchange of knowledge and best practices in mental health care.
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