Parallel lives: A phenomenological study of the lived experience of maladaptive daydreaming

Abstract

This qualitative study describes the lived experience of maladaptive daydreaming (MD), an excessive form of unwanted daydreaming that produces a rewarding experience based on a created fantasy of a parallel reality associated with a profound sense of presence. A total of 21 in-depth interviews with persons who self-identified as struggling with MD were analyzed utilizing a phenomenological approach. Interviewees described how their natural capacity for vivid daydreaming had developed into a time-consuming habit that resulted in serious dysfunction. The phenomenology of MD was typified by complex fantasized mental scenarios that were often laced with emotionally compensatory themes involving competency, social recognition, and support. MD could be activated if several requirements were met. Because social interaction seems to be incompatible with this absorbing mental activity, solitude was necessary. In addition, kinesthetic activity and/or exposure to evocative music also appeared to be essential features. Besides delivering a firsthand description of key characteristics of MD, the study also indicates that MD is associated with dysfunctionality for which participants expressed a substantial need for help.

Heightened Levels of Maladaptive Daydreaming Are Associated With COVID-19 Lockdown, Pre-existing Psychiatric Diagnoses, and Intensified Psychological Dysfunctions: A Multi-country Study

“…Despite its rewarding properties, the emerging disorder of maladaptive daydreaming (MD) can create dependency and distress and impairs important areas of functioning ( 61 , 62 ). MD can serve numerous purposes, including active self-entertainment, a distraction from boredom, fantastical wish fulfillment, and self-soothing of emotional pain ( 63 ). Previous research demonstrated that persons recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) are more prone to engage in MD, thereby suggesting that both MD and SUD may share etiological and phenomenological characteristics ( 64 ).…”

“…COVID-19 social isolation requirements may therefore intensify MD in two possible ways. First, in line with the function of other addictions, MD may also arguably be utilized for distress regulation ( 63 , 67 ). Hence, according to the self-medication hypothesis ( 36 ), MD is likely to intensify during lockdown, especially as social isolation provides MDers with greater opportunities for the privacy needed to engage in this mental activity.…”

Maladaptive daydreaming as a new form of behavioral addiction

“…(2011), should be distinguished from coping (i.e., improvement of mood or channeling of aggression), which has no clear relationship with problematic gaming. MD could be considered a behavioral addiction, because it is so rewarding that people experience intense yearning for it or feel compelled to extend and repeat this action (Somer, Somer, & Jopp, 2016b). Some report an irresistible urge to immerse themselves in a fantasy world immediately on waking or want to continue fantasizing when interrupted (Bigelsen, Lehrfeld, Jopp, & Somer, 2016).…”

“…There are only a few studies on MD, and its symptoms are often unacknowledged or dismissed during clinical assessment (Somer, Somer, & Jopp, 2016a). Because this may lead to unsuccessful treatment, further research is required (Somer, 2018; Somer et al., 2016b). There is also an ongoing dispute among researchers whether or not to classify certain problematic behaviors as “new” behavioral addictions.…”

Validation of the Hebrew version of the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS-H): Evidence for a generalizable measure of pathological daydreaming.

“…These include ritualized daydreaming initiation and maintenance processes involving repetitive stereotypic movement and exposure to music that seem to intensify immersion in the daydreaming. Qualitative studies showed that many MDers had discovered by chance that these behaviors helped them to better concentrate on their fantasies, and that they then further refined these techniques (e.g., from riding a bike in circles to pacing while twirling a string; Somer, Somer, et al, 2016b). Some MDers also select specific music to intensify the emotional tone of their daydreams (Somer, Somer, et al, 2016b).…”