Lin, Patrick K.F., Ng, Fiona Z.L., and Chua, Austin Y.W. (2026) Exploring executive functions in the relationship between childhood adverse experiences and hikikomori tendencies among Singaporean young adults. Children and Youth Services Review, 189. 109199.

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Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with a range of adverse developmental outcomes; however, their associations with severe social withdrawal (hikikomori tendencies) and the potential role of executive function (EF) remain poorly understood. This study examined whether EF deficits statistically mediated the associations between ACEs and hikikomori tendencies in young adults. A total of 405 Singaporean young adults (18–35 years) completed validated measures of ACEs, EF, and hikikomori tendencies. Mediation analyses examined behavioral, emotional, and cognitive EF deficits as potential mediators of the associations between ACE subtypes and hikikomori tendencies. All ACE types were positively associated with hikikomori tendencies. Behavioral regulation deficits emerged as the most consistent mediator, partially accounting for the associations between abuse/neglect and hikikomori tendencies and fully accounting for the association between household dysfunction and hikikomori tendencies. Emotional and cognitive EF deficits were significant only in the single-mediator models. These findings suggest that behavioral regulation deficits may represent an important correlate of the associations between childhood adversity and hikikomori tendencies. Given the cross-sectional design, causal inferences cannot be drawn. Nevertheless, the findings highlight behavioral regulation as a potential target for future longitudinal research and intervention efforts aimed at reducing social withdrawal among young adults with histories of childhood adversity.

Item ID:	93526
Item Type:	Article (Refereed Research - C1)
ISSN:	1873-7765
Copyright Information:	© 2026 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Date Deposited:	26 Aug 2026 07:05
FoR Codes:	52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified @ 25% 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5205 Social and personality psychology > 520501 Community psychology @ 50% 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5205 Social and personality psychology > 520505 Social psychology @ 25%
SEO Codes:	28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280121 Expanding knowledge in psychology @ 100%
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