Understanding the links between self-concept, sociocultural deviance and mental health problems in pathological social withdrawal
Journal
Current Psychology
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Abstract
Pathological social withdrawal (PSW), an extreme form of socially avoidant behaviour, is emerging as a global public health issue. Prior PSW?theories implicate personal values that deviate from sociocultural norms resulting in inner conflict and mental health problems. Speculatively, this?conflict could manifest or be embedded within a person’s cognitive and affective self-concepts (self-construal and self-esteem respectively). In this?study, we tested the hypotheses that compared to those without PSW, individuals with PSW would have lower personal and collective self-esteem,?and endorse independent and/or interdependent self-construals to differing degrees. 343 Taiwanese adults completed a two-step online survey,?which consisted measuring their social withdrawal condition, sociocultural deviance, personal/collective self-esteem, independent/interdependent?self-construal and mental health problems. As expected, data showed that the affected group had lower self-esteem than the unaffected group, but?no group difference emerged in either self-construal dimension. We also found that personal self-esteem in the PSW group was (concurrently)?associated with sociocultural deviance and symptoms of poor mental health. Our results tentatively supported theories of PSW, suggesting that the?influences individuals’ personal self-esteem and sociocultural deviance should be considered in future studies or treatments/preventions. ? 2021, The Author(s).
Subjects
Collective self-esteem; Hikikomori; Mental health problems; Self-concept; Sociocultural deviance
Type
journal article