Development and validation of the 25‐item Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ‐25)

Abstract

Aim Hikikomori, a form of severe social withdrawal, is an emerging issue in mental health, for which validated measurement tools are lacking. The object was to develop a self‐report scale of hikikomori, and assess its psychometric properties and diagnostic accuracy.MethodsA sample of 399 participants from clinical and community settings completed measures. Psychometric properties were assessed with factor analysis; diagnostic accuracy was compared against a semi‐structured diagnostic interview.ResultsThe Hikikomori Questionnaire contained 25 items across three subscales representing socialization, isolation, and emotional support. Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and convergent validity were all satisfactory. The area under the curve was 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.80–0.92). A cut‐off score of 42 (out of 100) was associated with a sensitivity of 94%, specificity of 61%, and positive predictive value of 17%.ConclusionThe 25‐item Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ‐25) possesses robust psychometric properties and diagnostic accuracy in an initial sample of Japanese adults. Additional research on its psychometric properties and ability to support clinical assessment of hikikomori is warranted.

Development and validation of the 22‐item Tarumi's Modern‐Type Depression Trait Scale: Avoidance of Social Roles, Complaint, and Low Self‐Esteem (TACS‐22)

“…Kato et al have proposed the possible commonality and significant interaction between MTD and hikikomori , while the relation has not been well clarified. We have just recently developed a self‐report scale for hikikomori , called the 25‐item Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ‐25) . Future studies are warranted to clarify the interaction between hikikomori and MTD by utilizing the scales of the TACS‐22 and HQ‐25.…”

“…Similar to the hikikomori scale, HQ‐25, a full version of the TACS‐22 is freely available, which is presented in Table , with the Japanese version in Table S3. To facilitate broader evaluation and use in other populations, we present an English version.…”

“…We have just recently developed a self-report scale for hikikomori, called the 25-item Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ-25). 57 Future studies are warranted to clarify the interaction between hikikomori and MTD by utilizing the scales of the TACS-22 and HQ-25.…”

Hikikomori : Multidimensional understanding, assessment, and future international perspectives

“…As shown above, we have just developed the novel hikikomori diagnostic criteria (Table ). To shorten the evaluation time, we have just recently developed a self‐rated questionnaire called the Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ)‐25, which takes just 2–3 min to complete and is thus expected to be more widely and easily used at hikikomori supporting faculties even in the absence of hikikomori experts. In addition, we are preparing an online version of the HQ‐25, which hopefully can be accessed by pre‐stage and/or severe cases of hikikomori .…”

“…Based on such future systems, international and population‐level epidemiological surveys should be conducted. We expect that our newly developed self‐rated questionnaire, the HQ‐25, may help to evaluate risk factors of hikikomori and effectiveness of interventions …”