A Comparative Study of Factors Associated with Depression Between “Otaku” and “Non-Otaku” College Students in Korea

Depression is a major mental health concern among college students. However, limited research has examined Otaku status as a psychosocial factor associated with depression. This cross-sectional correlational survey study included 206 Korean college students recruited from online communities and content-related exhibitions. Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Otaku status was quantitatively assessed using the Otaku Syndrome Scale. Participants were classified into the Otaku group and the Non-otaku group based on objective cut-off scores. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine differences in depression after adjusting for self-esteem, college adjustment, academic stress, employment stress, and economic status. The Otaku group reported significantly lower levels of depression than the Non-otaku group (t = 2.05, p = 0.041). After adjusting for covariates, Otaku status remained a significant predictor of lower depression (B = −1.63, p = 0.004). Self-esteem and college adjustment showed the strongest associations with depression. Otaku status may be associated with lower depression levels among college students and should be considered a meaningful psychosocial factor in mental health promotion strategies.