Presentation Information
[P-18-02]The Usefulness of an Employment Preparation Support Program through Metaverse: A Preliminary Study
*Izumi Mashimo1,2, Tomomi Tsujimoto3 (1.Aino University graduate school of Health science(Japan), 2.Department of Rehabilitation Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences(Japan), 3.Yururiwork(Japan))
Keywords:
Metaverse,Social withdrawal,Hikikomori,Employment Preparation,Adjustment Disorders
Background: In Japan, approximately 1.46 million individuals are estimated to be in a state of social withdrawal (hikikomori). Additionally, 13.5% of workplaces have reported employees taking extended leave or resigning because of mental health issues. Therefore, we developed the New Employment Experience Through Metaverse (NEXT) program for hikikomori or truancy. NEXT is a 10-session, seminar-style intervention conducted within a 2D metaverse environment that aims to social skills and work readiness.
Methods: A 20-something male production engineer, who was on leave because of adjustment disorder and social withdrawal, participated in the program. Data was collected using the General Health Questionnaire-30 (GHQ-30) and explored the participant’s self-efficacy regarding career decision-making (CDMSE) before and after the NEXT experience.
Results: The participant reported increased confidence in workplace communication, particularly in reporting, contacting, and consulting (hou-ren-sou). He stated, "I wish I had these skills earlier. The GHQ-30 scores deteriorated from 10 to 20, and the CDMSE scores improved from 79 to 82 after the intervention.
Discussion: The results were contradictory: mental health worsened and self-efficacy improved after NEXT. A score of four or higher on the GHQ-30 indicates mental distress, whereas a score of 20 or more requires clinical intervention.
For individuals with psychiatric disorders, this suggests the need to establish a collaborative system with psychiatric medical institutions when implementing NEXT.
Regarding the improvement in self-efficacy related to career decision-making, we speculated that the program provided a non-intrusive platform for the participant to engage in social skills training, thereby reducing his resistance to interpersonal contact. This approach shows promise for socially withdrawn individuals who aspire to return to the workforce.
Methods: A 20-something male production engineer, who was on leave because of adjustment disorder and social withdrawal, participated in the program. Data was collected using the General Health Questionnaire-30 (GHQ-30) and explored the participant’s self-efficacy regarding career decision-making (CDMSE) before and after the NEXT experience.
Results: The participant reported increased confidence in workplace communication, particularly in reporting, contacting, and consulting (hou-ren-sou). He stated, "I wish I had these skills earlier. The GHQ-30 scores deteriorated from 10 to 20, and the CDMSE scores improved from 79 to 82 after the intervention.
Discussion: The results were contradictory: mental health worsened and self-efficacy improved after NEXT. A score of four or higher on the GHQ-30 indicates mental distress, whereas a score of 20 or more requires clinical intervention.
For individuals with psychiatric disorders, this suggests the need to establish a collaborative system with psychiatric medical institutions when implementing NEXT.
Regarding the improvement in self-efficacy related to career decision-making, we speculated that the program provided a non-intrusive platform for the participant to engage in social skills training, thereby reducing his resistance to interpersonal contact. This approach shows promise for socially withdrawn individuals who aspire to return to the workforce.