Ikigai and hikikomori status among adults in Germany: findings from a cross-sectional study

Abstract Aim There are relatively few studies on ikigai that go beyond older adults in Japan, and there is a lack of research focusing on the link between ikigai and hikikomori. Thus, we aimed to examine the association between ikigai (having purpose and meaning in life) and hikikomori (experiencing extreme social withdrawal) in the German adult population. Methods Data came from an online quota survey of the German general adult population ( n = 3270 individuals; 18 to 74 years, average age 47 years). Data collection took place in January 2025. The validated German versions of the 25-item Hikikomori Questionnaire and Ikigai-9 scale were used to quantify key variables. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed among the total sample and additionally stratified by gender and age group. Results Higher ikigai levels were associated with significantly lower odds of being a hikikomori (e.g., in the fully adjusted model OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.90–0.93). Such associations were particularly pronounced among women (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.85–0.90), middle-aged (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.86–0.92), and older adults (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.87–0.95). The interaction terms (ikigai × gender; ikigai × age group) were statistically significant. Conclusions This study provides the first evidence of an association between ikigai and hikikomori status. This association was particularly strong among women as well as in middle-aged and older adults. Our findings suggest that efforts to boost ikigai levels may encourage openness to social connection among adults and protect against social withdrawal.