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Maladaptive Daydreaming in Relation to Linguistic Features and Attachment Style
Rachele Mariani1, Alessandro Musetti2, Cinzia Di Monte1
1Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies "Sapienza", University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|January 11, 2022
Summary
Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is linked to psychological distress and difficulties in relationships. Individuals with MD use more reflective and sensory language, suggesting complex internal experiences.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) involves excessive fantasy replacing real-life engagement.
- MD can significantly impair academic, social, and occupational functioning.
- The interplay between attachment, reflective functioning (RF), and MD's narrative is under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between attachment styles, reflective functioning (RF), and the narrative characteristics of maladaptive daydreaming (MD).
- To identify psychological and linguistic differences between individuals with and without MD.
Main Methods:
- Online survey with 414 adult participants assessing MD, psychopathology, attachment, and RF.
- Analysis of written daydream descriptions for linguistic patterns.
- Comparison of maladaptive daydreamers (MDers) with non-MDers using t-tests and regression.
Main Results:
- Maladaptive daydreamers (MDers) differed from non-MDers in attachment dimensions and RF.
- MD score was the strongest predictor of psychological distress (GSI).
- MDers exhibited increased use of reflection and sensory-somatic words, and decreased use of affective words in their daydreams.
Conclusions:
- Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is associated with psychopathological mechanisms and dysfunctional relational patterns.
- Linguistic analysis suggests MD involves complex internal processing, potentially related to sub-symbolic activation.
- Findings highlight the connection between MD, attachment, RF, and overall psychological well-being.
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