Background and aims: Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) is a suggested syndrome where individuals become addicted to fantasizing vividly for hours on end at the expense of engaging in real-world relationships and functioning. MD can be seen as a behavioral addiction. However, a paucity of longitudinal research means that there is no empirical evidence confirming the stability of this alleged addiction. Moreover, the direction of its association with psychopathology is unclear. Methods: We examine, for the first time, long-Term stability and longitudinal associations between MD, psychological distress (stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms) and COVID-19 related exposure. Results: Participants (N = 814) completed an online survey twice, with a lag of 13 months. A two-wave structural equation model demonstrated high MD stability and positive cross-lagged pathways from MD to psychological distress. COVID-19 related exposure was not a longitudinal predictor. Discussion and conclusions: MD is a stable condition and a risk factor for an increase in psychological distress.

Longitudinal associations between maladaptive daydreaming and psychological distress during the COVID-19 health crisis / Musetti, A.; Soffer-Dudek, N.; Imperato, C.; Schimmenti, A.; Franceschini, C.. - In: JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL ADDICTIONS. - ISSN 2063-5303. - (2023). [10.1556/2006.2023.00001]

Longitudinal associations between maladaptive daydreaming and psychological distress during the COVID-19 health crisis

Musetti A.
;
Imperato C.;Schimmenti A.;Franceschini C.
2023-01-01

Abstract

Background and aims: Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) is a suggested syndrome where individuals become addicted to fantasizing vividly for hours on end at the expense of engaging in real-world relationships and functioning. MD can be seen as a behavioral addiction. However, a paucity of longitudinal research means that there is no empirical evidence confirming the stability of this alleged addiction. Moreover, the direction of its association with psychopathology is unclear. Methods: We examine, for the first time, long-Term stability and longitudinal associations between MD, psychological distress (stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms) and COVID-19 related exposure. Results: Participants (N = 814) completed an online survey twice, with a lag of 13 months. A two-wave structural equation model demonstrated high MD stability and positive cross-lagged pathways from MD to psychological distress. COVID-19 related exposure was not a longitudinal predictor. Discussion and conclusions: MD is a stable condition and a risk factor for an increase in psychological distress.
2023
Longitudinal associations between maladaptive daydreaming and psychological distress during the COVID-19 health crisis / Musetti, A.; Soffer-Dudek, N.; Imperato, C.; Schimmenti, A.; Franceschini, C.. - In: JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL ADDICTIONS. - ISSN 2063-5303. - (2023). [10.1556/2006.2023.00001]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11381/2940811
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