Nearly 40 % of respondents had social withdrawal intention after COVID-19.

The negative mental health impact of COVID-19 seemed to be highly correlated with social withdrawal intention especially during the COVID-19.

Family, school, and society play a crucial role in preventing youth social withdrawal.

Worldwide physical distancing measures and lockdowns might have triggered and normalised hikikomori or prolonged social withdrawal behaviour especially among young people. The study aimed to examine the potential contributing COVID-related, psychological, family and school factors that related to one's intention to social withdrawal among young people during semi-lockdowns in Hong Kong. A three-wave longitudinal survey was conducted between June 2020 and June 2021. Mixed-effects logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association of COVID-related, psychological, and family and school factors with social withdrawal intention. 632 young people aged 10–20 years from 11 schools completed baseline and follow-up measures. The response rate was 83.05 %. At follow-ups, 39.40 % of the respondents reported to have social withdrawal intention. 37.18 % of the respondents felt helpless about COVID-19. The regression models showed loneliness, mother working from home, and hopelessness about COVID-19 at baseline were positive associated with persistent social withdrawal intention at follow-ups. Father working from home at baseline, better school bonding, and better family environment at the second wave were negatively associated with social withdrawal intention. Early identification of young people with poor psychological well-being, especially loneliness, and intention for being socially withdrawn should become a prioritised research and service focus in the post-COVID-19 period.

Social withdrawal intention

Hikikomori

COVID-19

Depression

Loneliness

Hong Kong

© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.