Childhood Trauma and Hikikomori in Social Anxiety Disorder: The Mediating Role of Cognitive Distortions

BACKGROUND: Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and hikikomori share characteristics of social withdrawal. While childhood trauma is a known risk factor for both conditions, the specific mechanisms linking early trauma to hikikomori through cognitive pathways remain unclear. AIMS: This study aimed to compare childhood trauma, cognitive distortions, and hikikomori levels in individuals with and without SAD and to examine the mediating role of cognitive distortions in the relationship between childhood trauma and hikikomori. METHODS: -tests and chi-square tests. Mediation analysis was conducted using the PROCESS macro (Model 4), controlling for age, sex, marital status, education level, and SAD. RESULTS: = .42). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that childhood trauma is associated with greater hikikomori symptoms, both directly and through the mediating effect of cognitive distortions. Therefore, cognitive distortions may be a potential intervention target for socially withdrawn individuals with a history of childhood trauma.