A Case Study of a Chinese ‘Hikikomorian’ in Canada - Theorizing the Process of Hikikomorization

Chong, Stella and Chan, Kar-Mon (2012) A Case Study of a Chinese ‘Hikikomorian’ in Canada - Theorizing the Process of Hikikomorization. Journal of Special Education and Rehabilitation, 13 (3-4). pp. 99-114. ISSN 1409-6099

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Abstract

The term ‘hikikomori’ originates from Japan and means ‘acute social withdrawal’. This study intends to investigate into the causes of hikikomori which is increasing worldwide phenomenon. The methodology is a case study approach located in an interpretive paradigm. The data was mainly collected through e-mails with the participant and phone conversations with his mother. The participant was a ‘hiki­ko­morian’ who was invited to investigate his own problem and further to be the co-author of this paper. The literature findings and this case study were then conceptualized into a more wide-ranging framework in compre­hen­ding the process of hikikomorization. The result appears to show that hikikomorization involves three processes: first, a predisposed introverted personality; second, the effects of multiple environmental factors such as family, school and society; and finally, the trigger point, such as the end of schooling or a stressful event. The study offers implications for other hiki­ko­mo­rians in better understanding of their problems and for practitioners working with reclusive ado­lescents and their families.

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