Maladaptive daydreaming and emotional regulation difficulties: A network analysis

This study explored the network structure of Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD), and links between MD and emotional regulation difficulties. Participants (n = 542) completed an online survey on MD and emotional regulation difficulties. Two network models were estimated. In the MD-only network, items clustered in three communities, most items were positively connected, and difficulty controlling the daydream was most central. In the expanded network, there were many cross-construct associations, and limited emotional regulation strategies and difficulty controlling the daydream were most central. These findings indicate that difficulties with control is central to MD, and that MD may be related to dysfunctional emotional regulation.