Welcome to the shining summer edition of ICMDR News, where we bring you the latest and greatest updates in the realm of maladaptive daydreaming!
As the temperature rises and the days grow longer, we have compiled a captivating collection of news, research, and intriguing stories to keep you engaged and informed throughout the sunny season.
Firstly, we are thrilled to announce an exclusive opportunity for active participants in our community. Are you eager to contribute to the advancement of research on maladaptive daydreaming? Look no further! A new call for research participants is now open, providing you with a chance to be a part of a groundbreaking study that will shed further light on this captivating phenomenon.
In this issue, we also unveil an array of new research publications that delve into the intricacies of maladaptive daydreaming. These publications promise to deepen our comprehension and pave the way for future advancements in the field.
Furthermore, we cannot overlook the influence of digital media in shaping the narratives and discussions surrounding maladaptive daydreaming. Our summer issue features a selection of popular science articles that explore the intersection of daydreaming and the digital realm. Discover captivating stories that examine how social media intertwines with the experiences and perceptions of maladaptive daydreamers.
So, grab your favorite beverage, find a cozy spot, and let the summer breeze immerse you in this refreshing edition of ICMDR News.
Call for research participants
Call for participants in a research study on negative themed daydreams in MD
This research study aimed at exploring the underlying factors associated with the experience of maladaptive daydreaming (MD) with aversive themes. The aim is to gain a deeper understanding of individuals' experiences with MD that involve aversive elements such as pain, death, violence, abuse, and illness. Additionally, this research may help identify potential targets for the development of treatments.
The study welcomes individuals aged 18 and above who are fluent in English and identify themselves as having experienced maladaptive daydreaming. While the primary focus of the study is to investigate negative daydreams, we also encourage participation from PwMD who have other kinds of daydreams.
The survey is on Gorilla SC, an online research platform. Participants can access the information sheet and the questionnaire via this link:https://bit.ly/md-af.
Time commitment: 30 - 45 minutes.
The poster can be accessed via this link:https://www.flickr.com/gp/198500240@N04/110A3R393X
Contact information: Titian Tam tt296@cantberury.ac.uk
New publications
Nauman, J., (2023). Narrative Review of a Link Between Proposed Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) and Reports of Motor Stereotypy in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-023-00386-2
Abstract: Motor stereotypy is a type of repetitive motor behavior frequently occurring in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Individuals with maladaptive daydreaming (MD) report repetitive motor behavior associated with addictive and immersive daydreaming. Many autistic self-advocates report symptoms of MD. Motor stereotypy in ASD is associated with lower cognitive and adaptive functioning; yet, research has not thoroughly examined the relationship between MD and ASD. The purpose of this commentary is to briefy sum-marize the potential overlap between ASD and MD and highlight similarities and diferences between the two. This author concludes there is reason to believe MD symptoms are common in ASD and require further understanding for proper treatment and intervention.
Richardson, V.A. (2023). Exploring the lived experience of maladaptive daydreaming. Dissertation presented to the Faculty of the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, USA. (pdf).
Abstract: This dissertation contributes to a small body of research that examines a topic related to excessive daydreaming, otherwise known as maladaptive daydreaming (MD). A transcendental phenomenological analysis (TPA) was utilized to identify, through structured clinical interviews, a subjective definition of MD and provide qualitative data on the lived experiences of self- diagnosed maladaptive daydreamers. The purpose of this study was to increase awareness and professional recognition of MD. This study collected data from twelve participants about their perceptions and experiences with MD. Interviews were analyzed to identify emergent themes and functional impairments across participants. Ultimately, the data collected provides clinicians information that can help them to be more effective in therapy, as well as content that may be helpful to inform potential diagnostic criteria and treatment recommendations for those that experience MD and seek therapeutic services.
Thomson, P. & Victoria Jaque, S. (2023). Creativity, Emotion Regulation, and Maladaptive Daydreaming. Creativity Research Journal. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400419.2023.2230022
Abstract: The goal of this study was to examine maladaptive daydreaming and the associations with emotion regulation difficulties, creative processes, creative self-efficacy, and creative personal identity. A non-clinical sample of active participants (N = 361) was investigated. A series of Pearson correlations, multivariate, multilinear regressions, and moderation analyses were conducted. The study findings indicated that difficulties with emotion regulation and creative distinct experience process explained 23% of the variance in maladaptive daydreaming. In a smaller sub-sample (n = 146) creative personal identity positively predicted maladaptive daydreaming, but creative self-efficacy was a negative predictor of maladaptive daydreaming. Emotion regulation difficulty was also associated with creative anxiety, whereas a feeling of power and pleasure during the creative process was associated with greater emotion regulation. The findings in this study reinforced the need to cultivate optimal emotion regulation skills, especially in individuals who struggle with compulsive immersive daydreaming. Creative processing skills and optimal emotion regulation strategies may help individuals with maladaptive daydreaming, including increasing their creative achievement and self-efficacy.
Thomson P. & Victoria Jaque, S. (2023): Maladaptive Daydreaming, Overexcitability, and Emotion Regulation. Roeper Review. https://doi.org/10.1080/02783193.2023.2212634
Abstract: Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) was studied (N = 361) in pre-professional/professional dancers, college athletes, and active participants. The relationship among MD, overexcitability (OE), and emotion regulation was examined. Results indicated that MD was associated with imaginational OE and negatively with sensual OE. Difficulty with emotion regulation strategies in individuals with elevated MD included impulse control difficulties, decreased acceptance of negative emotions, and more difficulty mobilizing goal-directed behavior. Dancers had higher OEs compared to the active control group and similar to athletes for psychomotor OE. The three active groups were similar in emotion regulation. The investigation of MD is a relatively new field of study. Examining the relationship with OEs, emotion regulation, and MD adds to this field of inquiry.
Lakshyay Rawat, A. & Malik, H. (2023). Daydreaming: Vex or Delight? International Journal of Engineering Technology and Management Sciences 3(7), 105. https://doi.org/10.46647/ijetms.2023.v07i03.105
Abstract: We humans tend to get involved in dreams created by us generally referred as daydreams. It can be done for pleasure sake but it can also be the result of depression which can make the person difficult to focus on his daily tasks making his life difficult. Various triggers include T.V, movies, songs, video games, loneliness or boredom. The present study examined the effect of daydreaming in everyday life, its triggers and how we can overcome it. Here, positive effects as well as negative effects of daydreaming are discussed. A research has been conducted and a result had been compiled based on the information given by people. It showed that the highest trigger among people is because of movies where they spend around 5 hours in daydreaming about it.
Vyas, M., Shaikh, M., Rana, S. & Pendyala, A.. (2023). Is this the real life? Or just a fantasy? A closer look at maladaptive daydreaming. Mental Health and Social Inclusion. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-01-2023-0014.
Abstract: Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) has yet to be recognized as a formal condition. This paper aims to shed light on the phenomenon of daydreaming, its potential maladaptive nature and the characteristics of MD, as well as potential interventions that may be implemented to address it. The present paper is a general conceptual review of the condition of MD. It provides a historical overview of the phenomenon and attempts to draw meaningful inferences from the scientific work pertaining to the development of diagnostic criteria, the assessment and interventions developed to treat MD. Studies have shown that MD can cause distress and impair an individual's typical functioning, and specific diagnostic criteria and symptoms have been identified. Scheduled clinical interviews, self-report measures and derivative treatment modules are currently utilized to understand, assess and treat the symptoms related to MD. Formal recognition of the condition ensures that the individuals receiving treatment for the condition are provided with insurance coverage and reimbursement for treatment. Authors also hope for MD recognition, awareness, reduced stigma and acceptance. This review offers a fair overview of the recent scientific findings pertaining to MD and attempts to open a channel of discourse to enhance the inclusivity of relevant psychopathological conditions in the existing classifications.
There are also two exciting papers in press. We will share them when they are in print.
Chefetz, R.A., Soffer-Dudek, N. & Somer, E. (In press). When Daydreaming Becomes Maladaptive: Phenomenological and Psychoanalytic Perspectives. Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.
Somer, E. (In press). Body movements during maladaptive daydreaming: A thematic analysis of asynchronous email interviews. Journal of Anomalous Experience and Cognition.
Conference presentations
Pia Breuer and Shivani Mansuklal presented their graduate research reports recently. Here are the references and their respective photos.
We are very proud of the next generation of MD researchers.
Congratulations, Shivani and Pia!