Comparative Scoping Review of the Status and Support for Socially Isolated Youth in South Korea and the United States

Background and Purpose

This scoping review examines the landscape of support for socially isolated youth, particularly hikikomori in South Korea and isolated young adults in the United States. The study aims to identify existing support frameworks and evaluate their effectiveness, addressing the increasing concern about social isolation among youth.

Methods

The review was conducted through a comprehensive search of databases and manual sources to collect studies, policy reports, and other relevant interventions that detail support systems for isolated youth. The selection criteria focused on works published in the last decade that discuss the nature and impact of support mechanisms in both countries.

Results

The review reveals significant differences in the approaches of the two countries: South Korea primarily employs government and community-driven initiatives, whereas the United States leans towards solutions by non-profits and the private sector. Both, however, show gaps in creating a unified strategy that effectively supports the diverse needs of isolated youth.

Conclusions and Implications

The findings suggest a need for more integrated support systems that bridge public and private efforts to better address the complexities of social isolation among youth. Recommendations for policymakers include the development of tailored interventions that leverage cross-sector collaboration. Further research is called for to refine these strategies and ensure they are adaptable to the cultural contexts of each country.