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Pezzi M, Zagaria A, Miguel-Alvaro A, Gámez-Guadix M, Gori A, Santoro G, Musetti A. Maladaptive daydreaming and problematic online behaviors: A network analysis approach. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 177:314-320. [PMID: 39067255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Previous evidence showed that Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) is positively associated with different Problematic Online Behaviors (POBs). This study aimed to investigate the mutual relationship between MD and several POBs. Data were collected from 1209 participants, aged 18-73 (M = 30.59, SD = 12.26), through self-report questionnaires assessing MD and POBs, including problematic online gambling, problematic online gaming, problematic cybersex, Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU), problematic online shopping, and cyberchondria. Two psychometric network analyses were performed to examine the associations between all POBs at item levels, and between MD and POBs at construct levels. Results revealed six distinct communities, supporting the specificity of each POB. Furthermore, MD was found to be more strongly associated with PSMU and cyberchondria, and weakly associated with problematic online gaming, problematic cybersex, and problematic online shopping. The mutual relationships between MD and POBs might have relevant implications for the assessment and treatment of these clinical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Pezzi
- University of Parma - Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, Parma, Italy.
| | - Andrea Zagaria
- Sapienza University of Rome - Department of Psychology, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Manuel Gámez-Guadix
- Autonomous University of Madrid - Department of Biological and Health Psychology, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Alessio Gori
- University of Florence - Department of Health Sciences, Florence, Italy; Integrative Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Institute (IPPI), Florence, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Santoro
- University of Parma - Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, Parma, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- University of Parma - Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, Parma, Italy.
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Pyszkowska A, Celban J, Nowacki A, Dubiel I. Maladaptive daydreaming, emotional dysregulation, affect and internalized stigma in persons with borderline personality disorder and depression disorder: A network analysis. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023; 30:1246-1255. [PMID: 37932952 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) manifests through experiences of excessive, long-lasting daydreaming resulting in significant suffering, including isolation, distress and shame. Considering that one of its functions is a distraction from painful feelings, it is linked with escapism and plays a significant role in disorders associated with emotional dysregulation, maintaining negative symptoms, including internalized stigmatization and social withdrawal. The current study aimed to examine cognitive (internalized stigma), affective (affect, anhedonia, emotional dysregulation) and behavioural (escapism) aspects of MD in borderline personality disorder (BPD) and depression groups. The sample consisted of 188 persons, including 102 individuals with BPD. The results showed higher scores in emotional dysregulation, internalized stigma and escapism in the BPD group compared to the depression group; the subgroups did not vary in MD rates. The network analysis revealed significant differences between groups in variables dynamics, with links between MD and self-suppression escapism, negative affect in the BPD group and MD with self-suppression escapism and social withdrawal in the depression group. Emotionally dysregulation and internalized stigma factors posed as the most robust expected influence components in both networks, suggesting that the cognitive and affective factors, not strictly behavioural, are pivotal for one's functioning and regulation strategies in the groups studied. The current study allows for clinical implications in interventions focused on persons developing MD and emotional dysregulation symptoms, including persons with BPD and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pyszkowska
- Department of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Julia Celban
- Department of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Ari Nowacki
- Department of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Izabela Dubiel
- Department of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
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West MJ, Somer E, Eigsti IM. Immersive and maladaptive daydreaming and divergent thinking in autism spectrum disorders. IMAGINATION, COGNITION AND PERSONALITY 2023; 42:372-398. [PMID: 38031581 PMCID: PMC10686311 DOI: 10.1177/02762366221129819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the internal mental experiences of individuals with ASD. While some research suggests a limited capacity for imagination, other studies show heightened interest in fantasy and unique forms of creative thinking in ASD. This study explored daydreaming experiences in adults with ASD, with a focus on immersive daydreaming and its relation to divergent thinking abilities. Individuals with and without a diagnosis of ASD were surveyed on their daydreaming habits and completed a divergent thinking task. Experiences of immersive daydreaming were identified in 42% of adults with ASD and were related to broad ASD traits in those without a diagnosis of ASD. However, ASD diagnosis was unrelated to originality of divergent thinking, which was negatively associated with immersive daydreaming. Moreover, daydreaming experiences in ASD were diverse. A more nuanced understanding of the mental experiences in ASD may assist in the development of interventions and support for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina J West
- University of Connecticut Department of Psychological Sciences; 406 Babbidge Road, Storrs, CT, 06043
| | - Eli Somer
- School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Abba Khoushy Ave 199, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Inge-Marie Eigsti
- University of Connecticut Department of Psychological Sciences; 406 Babbidge Road, Storrs, CT, 06043
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Kajimura S, Nozaki Y, Goto T, Smallwood J. Not All Daydreaming Is Equal: A Longitudinal Investigation of Social and General Daydreaming and Marital Relationship Quality. Front Psychol 2022; 13:904025. [PMID: 35783690 PMCID: PMC9247565 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.904025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Preliminary evidence suggests that daydreaming about other people has adaptive value in daily social lives. To address this possibility, we examined whether daydreaming plays a role in maintaining close, stable relationships using a 1-year prospective longitudinal study. We found that individuals' propensity to daydream about their marital partner is separate to general daydreaming. In contrast to general daydreaming, which was associated with lower subsequent relationship investment size (i.e., magnitude and importance of resources attached to a relationship) in the marital partner, partner-related social daydreaming led to a greater subsequent investment size. Additionally, attachment styles moderated these effects. The effect of daydreaming regarding investment size was found only in securely attached individuals. This research advances the emerging field of social daydreaming and highlights self-generated thought as a critical tool that can help people navigate the complex social world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Kajimura
- Department of Information and Human Sciences, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Nozaki
- Faculty of Letters, Konan University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takayuki Goto
- School of Human Cultures, University of Shiga Prefecture, Shiga, Japan
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Soffer-Dudek N, Theodor-Katz N. Maladaptive Daydreaming: Epidemiological Data on a Newly Identified Syndrome. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:871041. [PMID: 35573338 PMCID: PMC9091653 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.871041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) is a recently identified psychological disorder, characterized by excessively and addictively engaging in vivid, narrative, intensely emotional fantasy activity, at times with the aid of music and/or repetitive movements, causing distress and functional impairment. Over 100,000 self-diagnosed individuals are active online and thousands of them have been researched; yet there are no studies using clinical interviews on large, systematic general (non-MD) samples, to assess the estimated prevalence of this suggested disorder, and establish norms for its main psychometric tool. METHODS Four independent Israeli samples (three student samples, and one sample representing the general Jewish-Israeli population; total N = 1,023) self-reported MD. In two samples, those exceeding the cutoff score for suspected MD were invited for a structured clinical interview. RESULTS The skewness of most items of the 16-item Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS-16) supports the notion of MD as a binary construct rather than a normally distributed trait. In the community sample, 4.2% exceeded the cutoff for suspected MD. Rates were higher when focusing on the young adult age group or student samples (5.5-8.5%), suggesting a likely age effect. Following clinical interviews, only 60% of interviewed respondents met criteria for diagnosis, suggesting a true point-prevalence of 2.5% in the Israeli-Jewish population. CONCLUSIONS This is the first systematic clinical evaluation of the prevalence of MD. In an Israeli sample, a point-prevalence of 2.5% was found, like several other internalizing psychiatric syndromes. This result, along with the Non-normal nature of item distribution, both support the validity of MD as a psychological disorder, which should be considered as a potential addition to future psychiatric diagnostic manuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirit Soffer-Dudek
- Consciousness and Psychopathology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Nitzan Theodor-Katz
- Consciousness and Psychopathology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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Mariani R, Musetti A, Di Monte C, Danskin K, Franceschini C, Christian C. Maladaptive Daydreaming in Relation to Linguistic Features and Attachment Style. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:ijerph19010386. [PMID: 35010644 PMCID: PMC8751151 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a concept that describes a significant imaginary activity that replaces human engagement and/or interferes with academic, interpersonal, or vocational functioning. We explored the interaction between attachment style, reflective functioning (RF), and the narrative dimension of MD. (2) Methods: 414 adults completed an online survey, including socio-demographic variables, the 16-item Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale, the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, Relationship Questionnaire, and Reflective Functioning Questionnaire. Participants were asked to write a short description of the most representative episodes of their daydreams. Eighty-four participants were identified as maladaptive daydreamers (MDers). (3) Results: A set of t-tests between MDers and non-MDers group showed differences in attachment dimensions, RF, and linguistic measures. A linear regression model with Global Severity Index (GSI) of the revised Symptom Checklist-90 as the dependent variable, and psychological scales as independent variables showed that the MD score was the strongest predictor of GSI. Regarding differences between the two groups in linguistic measures, the MDers showed more use of reflection and sensory-somatic words, and a smaller number of affective words. (4) Conclusions: These results support the idea that the MD is a process connected to psychopathological mechanisms, probably to a sub-symbolic activation, and to dysfunctional self-other relational patterns that are difficult to integrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Mariani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies “Sapienza”, University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy;
| | - Cinzia Di Monte
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies “Sapienza”, University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Kerri Danskin
- Licensed Psychologist in Private Practice, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA;
| | | | - Christopher Christian
- Department of Psychology, City College, City University of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031, USA;
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Childhood traumatization and dissociative experiences among maladaptive and normal daydreamers in a Hungarian sample. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 42:9509-9525. [PMID: 34483632 PMCID: PMC8403514 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02223-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to identify some potential etiological segments of maladaptive daydreaming, especially the relationships between maladaptive daydreaming, childhood traumatization, and dissociative propensity. The questionnaire package included the Hungarian version of the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale, the Traumatic Antecedents Questionnaire, as well as the Dissociation Questionnaire. 717 participants were recruited online, 106 of whom were problematic daydreamers. The results revealed that certain types of childhood trauma occurred significantly more frequently in the group of maladaptive daydreamers. Furthermore, maladaptive daydreamers possessed a significantly higher level of dissociative propensity compared to normal daydreamers. The estimated SEM models showed that dissociative experiences - more precisely Identity confusion and fragmentation and Lack of control – mediated the relationship between certain childhood traumatic experiences and maladaptive daydreaming. The results suggest that we should consider childhood traumatization and increased dissociative propensity as potentially significant factors in the etiology of maladaptive daydreaming.
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