Dissociative experiences and self-reported interoceptive traits in maladaptive daydreamers: a network analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Mental Health

Background:

• Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) is a proposed mental health condition.
• MD is linked to dissociation but its relationship with interoception is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate dissociative symptoms and self-reported interoception in individuals with MD.
• To compare these experiences between individuals with MD and matched controls.

Main Methods:

• 137 Italian-speaking participants (83 with MD, 54 controls) completed online surveys.
• Assessed maladaptive daydreaming (MDS-16), dissociation (DES-II), and interoception (MAIA-2).
• Network analyses were used to explore relationships between variables.

Main Results:

• Individuals with MD reported significantly higher dissociation, especially in absorption/imagination and depersonalization/derealization.
• MD group scored lower on interoceptive subscales: Attention Regulation, Body Listening, and Trusting.
• Network analysis identified MD as a central node connecting dissociation and interoception.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to document altered interoception in Maladaptive Daydreaming.
• Findings suggest MD may involve altered interoception and serve as an escape from unpleasant bodily states.
• Interventions targeting interoception, like mindfulness, may benefit individuals with MD.