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Sensitivity and Attachment in an Italian Sample of Hikikomori Adolescents and Young Adults

Author

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  • Alessandra Santona

    (Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy)

  • Francesca Lionetti

    (Department of Neurosciences, Imagine and Clinical Sciences, University of G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy)

  • Giacomo Tognasso

    (Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy)

  • Chiara Fusco

    (Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy)

  • Graziana Maccagnano

    (Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy)

  • Danila Barreca

    (Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy)

  • Laura Gorla

    (Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy)

Abstract

Hikikomori is a severe form of social withdrawal increasing among the young Italian population. Hikikomori has been connected to psychological problems and high environmental sensitivity. Nevertheless, only a few studies have been carried out in the Italian context, and they did not analyze several aspects strictly related to the hikikomori phenomenon, such as the role of attachment and sensitivity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between attachment, sensitivity, and psychological problems in a sample of Italian hikikomori. Our sample comprised 72 Italian adolescents and young adults (49 males and 23 females), meanly aged 22.5 years, recruited through online forums and clinical centers for the hikikomori phenomenon. Our participants fulfilled the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R). The results showed high psychological issues (i.e., depression and anxiety), environmental sensitivity, and insecure attachment orientations. Moreover, we discovered a significant relationship between attachment dimensions, environmental sensitivity, and psychopathology. Our study sheds light on a novel research path and could help both the researchers and the clinicians who work with people suffering from social withdrawal.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandra Santona & Francesca Lionetti & Giacomo Tognasso & Chiara Fusco & Graziana Maccagnano & Danila Barreca & Laura Gorla, 2023. "Sensitivity and Attachment in an Italian Sample of Hikikomori Adolescents and Young Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(12), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:12:p:6148-:d:1172434
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alan R. Teo, 2010. "A New Form of Social Withdrawal in Japan: a Review of Hikikomori," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 56(2), pages 178-185, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Giusy Danila Valenti & Alida Lo Coco & Nicolò Maria Iannello & Cristiano Inguglia & Michael Pluess & Francesca Lionetti & Sonia Ingoglia, 2023. "Individual Differences in Adolescents’ Civic Engagement: The Role of Civic Discussions with Parents and Environmental Sensitivity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(13), pages 1-17, July.

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