Hanan Sheha

Maladaptive daydreaming as a multidimensional phenomenon: Psychological coping approaches and daydream typology

Started Apr. 10, 2024

Abstract or project description

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) —a psychological phenomenon characterized by immersive, vivid, and often compulsive fantasy activity that interferes with daily functioning and emotional well-being— has traditionally been conceptualized as a disruptive or maladaptive behavior. However, recent perspectives propose maladaptive daydreaming as a dimensional phenomenon, spanning a broad spectrum of experiences that vary in function, intensity, and psychological impact. Despite this evolving view, no comprehensive framework exists to categorize different types of daydreams or their psychological functions. The current study proposes a flexible, non-diagnostic framework that identifies three types of daydreams—Problem-Ruminative, Escapist, and Solution-Oriented—along with five psychological approaches: Realistic Problem-Solving, Problem Amplification, Problem Avoidance, Emotional Regulation, and Emotional Compensation. We fit nonlinear correlation models to explore relationships among daydreaming types, and psychological approaches reported by participants. We found that self‑reported frequency of maladaptive daydreaming was positively associated with higher anxiety and depressive symptoms. Notably, 92% of participants reported at least one positive aspect of MD—most commonly strategic planning and emotional regulation. Together, these findings support incorporating a multidimensional model of MD into diagnostic criteria and call for interventions that reduce avoidance‑driven and amplification‑driven daydreaming while fostering solution‑oriented daydreams and effective emotion‑regulation strategies.