The mediating role of learned meaninglessness in the relationship between Hikikomori and unemployment anxiety among Turkish university students

Abstract This study examines the relationship between unemployment anxiety, learned meaninglessness, and hikikomori tendencies among university students in Türkiye, emphasizing the mediating role of learned meaninglessness. Analysis of 445 students shows that unemployment anxiety predicts hikikomori tendencies, amplified by learned meaninglessness. Students from lower-income backgrounds and those living alone exhibit higher hikikomori tendencies, while gender, age, and academic year have no significant impact. The study highlights that unemployment anxiety predicts hikikomori tendencies, and that this relationship is partially mediated by learned meaninglessness. Supporting individuals’ sense of purpose and reducing unemployment-related concerns may help mitigate hikikomori risk.