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Expanding Sources of Recognition: Towards an Experience-Driven Framework for Reengaging Hikikomori and Semi-hikikomori

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Abstract

Hikikomori, also known as young people with prolonged social withdrawal behaviours (YPSW), is a pronounced and growing youth issue. The aims of the present study were to (1) introduce an experience-driven (ED) framework informed by recognition theory and the expanded notion of work model, and (2) examine how the ED framework can add value to interpreting the vulnerabilities of hikikomori/semi-hikikomori, and to strengthening the delivery of reengagement interventions. Six participants were purposively selected based on the stages of their user journey in a Regain Momentum Program, namely early, intermediate, and final stages of user journey. With the use of thematic analysis, the study thoroughly examined six transcripts collected from post-intervention individual interviews. The results showed that hikikomori/semi-hikikomori are deprived of self- and social recognition due to a lack of a socially recognized status and paid work experiences. Applying the ED framework, social workers were capable of facilitating hikikomori/semi-hikikomori to leave their comfort zone, enter a secured comfort zone, rebuild connections, enhance self-efficacy, and care for non-human beings through providing interest- and work-based activities. The study provides empirical evidence to elaborate how the ED framework can inform future practice and research on reengaging hikikomori/semi-hikikomori.

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Data Availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the third author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgement

We thank all the volunteer nonhuman animals and guardians of the animals participating in the Regain Momentum (RM) programme. And most importantly, we thank all the colleagues from the Chinese Evangelical Zion Church who made this research possible. In delivering these services, the RM programme also worked in partnership with several NGOs: the Richmond Fellowship of Hong Kong providing clinical psychology services, the Hong Kong Animal Therapy Foundation and Fat Fat the therapy dog providing animal-assisted therapy supervision intervention and the Animals Asia Foundation, and the Mongrel Club providing nonhuman animal visitations. Special thanks go to Mr. Alvin Ho and Mr. Oscar Siu, junior alumni of University of Hong Kong, for their voluntary work of translating the quoted verbatims of the participants from Chinese into English.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Social Sciences, HJ434, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China

    Xuebing Su

  2. Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China

    Tim M. H. Li

  3. Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong SAR, China

    Paul W. C. Wong

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  1. Xuebing Su
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  2. Tim M. H. Li
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Contributions

XS: developed the conceptual framework, conducted data analysis, wrote up the manuscript and co-edited the manuscript. TMHL: designed the research study, collected data, and co-edited the manuscript. PWCW: supervised the study, collected data, and co-edited the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Xuebing Su.

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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Hong Kong. All participants were well informed about the objectives of the research and signed a consent form before joining the research.

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Su, X., Li, T.M.H. & Wong, P.W.C. Expanding Sources of Recognition: Towards an Experience-Driven Framework for Reengaging Hikikomori and Semi-hikikomori. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 40, 713–725 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-021-00795-4

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