Premium
Psychodynamic group psychotherapy for hikikomori: The case of a socially withdrawn male with schizoaffective disorder
Author(s) -
Kubo Hiroaki,
Aida Nobuo,
Kato Takahiro A.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.124
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1097-4679
pISSN - 0021-9762
DOI - 10.1002/jclp.23216
Subject(s) - psychology , schizoaffective disorder , psychodynamics , psychotherapist , psychological intervention , psychodynamic psychotherapy , group psychotherapy , social withdrawal , psychiatry , clinical psychology , psychosis
Abstract Hikikomori, a severe form of social withdrawal, is a condition characterized by the avoidance of social participation and staying at home for more than 6 months. Hikikomori was initially reported in Japan in the 1990s and is now observed worldwide. Here, we introduce specialized psychodynamic group psychotherapy for persons with hikikomori, and illustrate the case of an adult male with schizoaffective disorder. In the present report, the patient initiated an unreasonably difficult job‐hunting process, became unwell, and was hospitalized. He began to participate in group psychotherapy as a place of belonging and gradually increased his social interactions. We also consider the specific difficulties exhibited by people with hikikomori, especially focusing on the avoidance around assuming responsibility for decisions and extreme dichotomous thinking. Additionally, we discuss the benefits of dealing with these difficulties in a group structure and propose the applicability of group psychotherapy in therapeutic interventions for persons with hikikomori.