Maladaptive daydreaming and psychopathology: a meta-analysis

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a clinical condition that cannot be explained by any existing psychopathology. The empirical literature regarding MD suggests that it is associated with mental afflictions and exhibits attributes resembling a psychological disorder. This study aimed to meta-analytically investigate the relationship between MD and various manifestations of mental distress and dysfunction. Forty studies, totaling 24,977 individuals (Mean(age) = 28.75, SD = 9.90), met our eligibility inclusion criteria and were incorporated in the analyses. Findings revealed that MD is positively associated with depression, anxiety, dissociation, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, general psychopathology, psychotic symptoms, autism spectrum disorder and traumatic experiences. Some effects were moderated by sample type, age and gender. Our secondary analyses examined other psychological problems. We found a positive association between MD and difficulties in emotion regulation, loneliness, dysfunctional personality traits, negative affect, pathological celebrity worship, personality disorder, shame, somatic symptoms, problematic internet use and psychological distress. Additionally, there was a negative association between MD and self-efficacy and self-esteem. Our findings suggest that MD behaves like other DSM disorders by showing comorbidity with various psychopathologies. Theoretical and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.