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Development and validation of the 25‐item Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ‐25)
Author(s) -
Teo Alan R.,
Chen Jason I.,
Kubo Hiroaki,
Katsuki Ryoko,
SatoKasai Mina,
Shimokawa Norihiro,
Hayakawa Kohei,
UmeneNakano Wakako,
Aikens James E.,
Kanba Shigenobu,
Kato Takahiro A.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
psychiatry and clinical neurosciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.609
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1440-1819
pISSN - 1323-1316
DOI - 10.1111/pcn.12691
Subject(s) - psychology , clinical psychology , psychometrics , reliability (semiconductor) , convergent validity , social withdrawal , scale (ratio) , confidence interval , internal consistency , psychiatry , medicine , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics
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. Methods A 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. Results The 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%. Conclusion The 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.