Maladaptive daydreaming and problematic online behaviors: A network analysis approach

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) is previously shown to correlate with Problematic Online Behaviors (POBs).
• Understanding the specific relationships between MD and various POBs is crucial for clinical interventions.
• The bidirectional nature of these associations requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mutual relationship between Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) and several Problematic Online Behaviors (POBs).
• To explore the specific associations between MD and distinct POBs like online gambling, gaming, cybersex, social media use, online shopping, and cyberchondria.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 1209 participants (aged 18-73).
• Data collected via self-report questionnaires assessing MD and various POBs.
• Psychometric network analyses were employed at both item and construct levels to map associations.

Main Results:

• Psychometric network analyses identified six distinct communities, indicating the specificity of each POB.
• Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) showed stronger associations with Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU) and cyberchondria.
• Weaker associations were observed between MD and problematic online gaming, cybersex, and online shopping.

Conclusions:

• The findings highlight specific links between Maladaptive Daydreaming and certain Problematic Online Behaviors, particularly PSMU and cyberchondria.
• The identified relationships suggest potential targets for integrated assessment and therapeutic strategies.
• Further research into the mutual dynamics of MD and POBs is warranted for clinical practice.