Introduction: Extreme social withdrawal (ESW) is described as a prolonged isolation from the outside world, emerging mainly in adolescence. Once considered primarily a Japanese phenomenon (hikikomori), ESW is now recognized as a global issue, with cases documented across different cultural contexts. ESW is associated with profound psychosocial impairment, reduced functioning, and significant emotional distress. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this condition has become a growing priority, and recent research has begun to investigate both risk and protective factors. A crucial developmental task in adolescence is the construction of a coherent sense of meaning in life (MiL), which contributes to psychological well-being, resilience, and motivation to engage in social roles. Evidence suggests that adolescents who experience ESW frequently report a lack of MiL, perceiving their lives as purposeless and disconnected, which sustains withdrawal. In contrast, secure parent-child attachment fosters trust, self-efficacy, and openness to social engagement, representing a protective factor. Purpose: This study examined the interplay between attachment, MiL, and ESW in a community sample of 837 Italian adolescents. We hypothesized that secure attachment to both parents would enhance MiL and, in turn, reduce the risk of ESW. Method: An online survey was administered in high schools during class hours to assess attachment using the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment, MiL with the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and ESW with the Hikikomori Questionnaire. Results: Path and regression analyses converged in support of the hypothesized moderation model. Greater attachment security to both parents was positively associated with MiL, and MiL -as secure attachment- was inversely associated with ESW. Conclusions: MiL emerged as a key psychological mechanism linking secure parent-child attachment with reduced risk of ESW. These findings suggest that interventions which strengthen parent-adolescent bonds and actively cultivate a sense of meaning and purpose may help prevent or mitigate ESW.