繭居族是新興的社會議題,在日本及香港已經引起政府的關注,並開始組織助人工作者協助;然而臺灣社會大眾及媒體欠缺對於繭居族的認識,鮮少有機會聽到他們的心聲,因而傾向指責、誤解他們的行為。本研究採用質性典範,以深度訪談法蒐集十四位青年從進入—維持—脫離繭居的歷程,並瞭解他們、家人與正式支持系統的互動。研究發現:(一)進入與脫離繭居的歷程輾轉曲折,青年進入繭居前已經承受學業、求職或工作的壓力,並經歷休學、畢業或離職的轉銜過程;脫離繭居時又要面對社會期待與同儕壓力。(二)繭居期間,青年個人健康容易因使用網路及3C產品而受到影響,且他們的日常生活(家務分工、經濟來源)也反映著家庭互動的變化。(三)青年普遍沒有使用正式系統協助脫離繭居的經驗,可能由於資源吸引力或可近性不足。(四)繭居是不良壓力因應模式的重演,同時也是一種自我保護機制,讓青年能夠喘口氣。最後根據研究結果,本研究提出繭居族相關政策、實務及研究上的建議。
Hikikomori, a form of youth social withdrawal, is an emerging issue around the world. It also refers to individuals thus withdrawn from society. Hikikomori in Japan and Hong Kong have gotten the attention of their governments and have also enjoyed the help of professionals. However, there is a lack of understanding about hikikomori in Taiwan, so the Taiwanese people and media tend to criticize them. This study collected data using a qualitative approach, as well as in-depth interviews with 14 hikikomori. This study, which intends to explore the process of becoming hikikomori, as well as the interaction between hikikomori, their families, and the formal support system, found the following: (1) The process of becoming hikikomori and returning to society is tortuous. Hikikomori youths have been pressured in studies, job searches, or work, and have undergone suspension, graduation, or resignation before becoming hikikomori, and when they try to return to school or the labor market, they usually face the stress of social expectations and peer pressure. (2) During the reclusive period, the hikikomori’s health is easily affected by the Internet and 3C products, and their daily lives (division of housework and financial resources) also reflect changes in family interaction. (3) Hikikomori generally have no experience using a formal support system to help themselves, which may be due to lack of resource attractiveness or accessibility. (4) Hikikomori is not just a dysfunctional stress-coping mechanism but also a self-protection mechanism that allows individuals to recover. Based on these findings, suggestions are made for policy makers, practitioners, and researchers.