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