The everchanging maladaptive daydreaming – a thematic analysis of lived experiences of Reddit users

Abstract

AbstractMaladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a compulsive fantasy activity that takes precedence over one’s life, interfering with other activities often, becoming source of shame. To determine the lived experiences of people suffering from MD, we analyzed a sample of 336 public Reddit posts shared in September 2023. We implemented thematic analysis using an inductive approach. We identified six key themes across the data connected to the impact MD has on a sense of self: (1) This world is not my own: Rejecting the imperfection, (2) Blending of realities, (3) It’s not a loop; it’s a spiral: The changing experience, (4) Losing focus, cover blown: Daydreaming’s influence on life, (5) It’s keeping me alive The healing aspects of daydreaming, (6) I need this to stop: The ongoing struggle to quit. MD appeared to influence the majority of aspects of the Redditors’ lives, including a sense of self, motivation, behaviors, and cognitive capabilities (e.g., attention problems). The recollection of unsuccessful attempts to cease daydreaming was highlighted therefore a comparison with behavioral addiction was made. Lack of professional support and reliance on the Reddit community and daydream characters for support were also reported. The results suggest MD may be connected to various consequences that were overlooked in the past (e.g., problems with a sense of identity, motivation, frustration tolerance). Therefore, there is an urgent need for professional interventions that should encompass the multifaceted dimensions of daily functioning impacted by MD.