Daily Feelings and the Affective Valence of Daydreams in Maladaptive Daydreaming: A Longitudinal Analysis

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between depression and certain daydreaming factors on daily positive and negative emotions experienced by individuals with maladaptive daydreaming (MD). MD intensity, MD frequency, depression, daydreaming themes, and positive/negative emotions were measured daily for 14 days in a sample of 103 self-diagnosed maladaptive daydreamers. Individuals who experience higher levels of depression and daydream intensity experience greater levels of negative emotions after their daydreams. Individuals who daydream to cope with negative memories, feelings, and realities were found to experience more negative emotions following the daydream, whereas individuals who daydream about rewarding pastimes and as a means of wish fulfillment typically experience more positive emotions.We