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Where Is My Mind? The Daydreaming Characteristics Questionnaire, a New Tool to Differentiate Absorptive Daydreaming

Nitzan Theodor-Katz1, Nirit Soffer-Dudek1

  • 1Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.

Journal of Attention Disorders
|February 25, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is distinguished from ADHD and mind-wandering by a new questionnaire. The Daydreaming Characteristics Questionnaire (DCQ) identifies unique factors of immersive daydreaming.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) involves excessive fantasizing, impairing daily functioning and social interaction.
  • Differentiating MD from ADHD and mind-wandering is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
  • Existing research highlights the need for specific tools to assess MD characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a self-report questionnaire, the Daydreaming Characteristics Questionnaire (DCQ).
  • To assess the content and structure of distracting thoughts related to maladaptive daydreaming.
  • To differentiate MD from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and mind-wandering.

Main Methods:

  • Administered the novel DCQ to two samples: 346 undergraduates and 381 general community adults.
  • Utilized validated measures for ADHD, mind-wandering, MD, dissociation, and general distress.
  • Performed Exploratory Factor Analyses on the DCQ data.

Main Results:

  • Factor analyses of the DCQ revealed two distinct factors: immersive daydreaming and daydream functionality.
  • These two factors were uniquely associated with maladaptive daydreaming.
  • The DCQ effectively captured characteristics specific to immersive daydreaming.

Conclusions:

  • The DCQ is a valuable tool for identifying and differentiating maladaptive daydreaming.
  • It distinguishes MD from general attentional deficiencies seen in ADHD and mind-wandering.
  • The findings support the DCQ's utility in clinical and research settings for assessing MD.
Keywords:
ADHDdaydreamingmaladaptive daydreamingmind wanderingself-report questionnaire

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