YOUTH SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL AND HIKIKOMORI-LIKE BEHAVIORS: A MIXED-SOURCE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL DETERMINANTS AMONG PAKISTANI UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AND JAPANESE EVIDENCE

Abstract

The study examines the psychological and social factors that contribute to social isolation (hikikomori-like behaviors) among Pakistani university students using a comparative method with a mixed-source comparative approach integrating primary survey data with Japanese empirical evidence. The study is a quantitative cross-sectional study with undergraduate students examined the effects of depression, anxiety, loneliness, academic stress, digital engagement, perceived social support, and withdrawal behaviors.  The literature of hikikomori was synthesized systematically for cross-cultural comparison with the literature in Japan. Results show that loneliness, depression, anxiety, academic stress and digital engagement are positively associated with youth social withdrawal, while perceived social support is a strong protective factor. Comparative analysis indicates that there are differences across cultures, but that similar mechanisms are responsible for withdrawal behaviors. The study underscores the importance of culturally-informed mental health interventions and early identification protocols in higher education institutions.