Maladaptive Daydreaming and Psychopathology: A Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychopathology

Background:

• Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a recognized clinical condition.
• Existing psychopathology frameworks do not fully explain MD.
• Empirical data suggests MD is linked to mental distress and dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To meta-analytically investigate the relationship between MD and mental distress.
• To explore MD's association with various psychological problems.
• To understand MD's comorbidity with existing disorders.

Main Methods:

• Meta-analysis of 40 studies.
• Inclusion of 24,977 individuals.
• Analysis of associations between MD and psychological variables.

Main Results:

• MD positively correlates with depression, anxiety, dissociation, OCD, ADHD, general psychopathology, psychotic symptoms, ASD, and trauma.
• MD is associated with emotion regulation difficulties, loneliness, dysfunctional personality traits, negative affect, pathological celebrity worship, personality disorders, shame, somatic symptoms, problematic internet use, and psychological distress.
• MD negatively correlates with self-efficacy and self-esteem.

Conclusions:

• Maladaptive daydreaming exhibits comorbidity patterns similar to DSM-diagnosed disorders.
• Findings support MD's classification alongside other psychopathologies.
• The study highlights significant theoretical and clinical implications for understanding and treating MD.