Maladaptive daydreaming and emotional regulation difficulties: A network analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) is a proposed condition characterized by excessive and harmful fantasy activity.
• Difficulties in emotional regulation are frequently observed in individuals with various psychological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the network structure of Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD).
• To examine the relationship between MD and emotional regulation difficulties.

Main Methods:

• A network analysis approach was employed.
• Data were collected from 542 participants via an online survey assessing MD and emotional regulation.

Main Results:

• In the MD-only network, difficulty controlling daydreams emerged as the most central element.
• In an expanded network including emotional regulation, limited emotional regulation strategies and difficulty controlling daydreams were most central.
• Positive connections were observed between most items within the MD network.

Conclusions:

• Difficulty with control is a core feature of Maladaptive Daydreaming.
• MD may be associated with ineffective or dysfunctional emotional regulation strategies.