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Maladaptive Daydreaming in Relation to Linguistic Features and Attachment Style

Author

Listed:
  • Rachele Mariani

    (Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies “Sapienza”, University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Alessandro Musetti

    (Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy)

  • Cinzia Di Monte

    (Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies “Sapienza”, University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Kerri Danskin

    (Licensed Psychologist in Private Practice, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA)

  • Christian Franceschini

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy)

  • Christopher Christian

    (Department of Psychology, City College, City University of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031, USA)

Abstract

(1) Background: Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a concept that describes a significant imaginary activity that replaces human engagement and/or interferes with academic, interpersonal, or vocational functioning. We explored the interaction between attachment style, reflective functioning (RF), and the narrative dimension of MD. (2) Methods: 414 adults completed an online survey, including socio-demographic variables, the 16-item Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale, the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, Relationship Questionnaire, and Reflective Functioning Questionnaire. Participants were asked to write a short description of the most representative episodes of their daydreams. Eighty-four participants were identified as maladaptive daydreamers (MDers). (3) Results: A set of t -tests between MDers and non-MDers group showed differences in attachment dimensions, RF, and linguistic measures. A linear regression model with Global Severity Index (GSI) of the revised Symptom Checklist-90 as the dependent variable, and psychological scales as independent variables showed that the MD score was the strongest predictor of GSI. Regarding differences between the two groups in linguistic measures, the MDers showed more use of reflection and sensory-somatic words, and a smaller number of affective words. (4) Conclusions: These results support the idea that the MD is a process connected to psychopathological mechanisms, probably to a sub-symbolic activation, and to dysfunctional self–other relational patterns that are difficult to integrate.

Suggested Citation

  • Rachele Mariani & Alessandro Musetti & Cinzia Di Monte & Kerri Danskin & Christian Franceschini & Christopher Christian, 2021. "Maladaptive Daydreaming in Relation to Linguistic Features and Attachment Style," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2021:i:1:p:386-:d:714626
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Niccolò Morandotti & Natascia Brondino & Alessia Merelli & Annalisa Boldrini & Giulia Zelda De Vidovich & Sara Ricciardo & Vera Abbiati & Paolo Ambrosi & Edgardo Caverzasi & Peter Fonagy & Patrick Luy, 2018. "The Italian version of the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire: Validity data for adults and its association with severity of borderline personality disorder," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(11), pages 1-13, November.
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