Belonging, Rejection Sensitivity and Hikikomori Withdrawal among University Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52053/jpap.v6i4.461Keywords:
Hikikomori, Interpersonal Rejection Sensitivity, Social Connectedness, Social Withdrawal, Young AdultsAbstract
The pivotal developmental stage of adulthood considered as prime years includes critical decision making related to academic attainment, career selection, spouse selection which are closely tied to social approval, financial stability and competence. Although hikikomori has been extensively examined in Japan, evidence from South Asian context is scarce. This gap could be ascribed to excessive social conformity, dependence of family system and stigma related to mental health. Given the substantial psychological, social, and functional consequences of this phenomenon, particularly within the Pakistani sociocultural milieu, systematic investigation is warranted to inform culturally responsive clinical practice and advance scholarly discourse. The current study investigated the association between interpersonal rejection sensitivity, hikikomori and social connectedness among university students. Convenience sampling was used to recruit sample of n = 330 young adults, aged 18-25 years through cross-sectional correlational research design. The sample comprised students enrolled in public and private universities in Lahore, Pakistan. Data was gathered using self-report questionnaire consisting of informed consent form, demographic sheet, Interpersonal Rejection Sensitivity Scale, Hikikomori Questionnaire, and Social Connectedness Scale-Revised. All three scales employed Likert-type format scales. Following the descriptive analysis, the study hypotheses were tested using Correlation and Linear Regression analyses. The results revealed significant associations among the study variables and identified interpersonal rejection sensitivity as a significant predictor of hikikomori tendencies. Overall, study contributes empirical evidence and offers meaningful implications regarding the relatively underexplored psychological challenges faced by contemporary youth.
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