Dreaming to Cope: Exploring the Relationship Between Attachment Styles and Maladaptive Daydreaming

Authors

  • Rashi MA Clinical Psychology, Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Dr. Ritu Raj Assistant Professor I, Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61113/ijiap.v3i5.907

Keywords:

maladaptive day dreaming, attachment styles, closeness, anxiety, anxiety dependence, young adults

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between attachment styles
and maladaptive daydreaming among Indian young adults aged 18 to 25. Data was collected
from 158 participants using the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale and the Revised Adult
Attachment Scale. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a significant negative association
between maladaptive daydreaming and closeness, as well as a strong positive association
between maladaptive daydreaming and attachment-related anxiety. Dependence did not show
any significant correlation. Multiple regression revealed that attachment dimensions significantly
predicted maladaptive daydreaming, with anxiety being the strongest predictor, followed by
closeness and dependence. These findings suggest that insecure attachment, especially high
anxiety and low closeness, is linked to higher maladaptive daydreaming. The results underscore
the potential effectiveness of attachment-based interventions in addressing maladaptive
daydreaming among young adults.

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Published

01-05-2025

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 5 (2025): May

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Dreaming to Cope: Exploring the Relationship Between Attachment Styles and Maladaptive Daydreaming. (2025). International Journal of Interdisciplinary Approaches in Psychology, 3(5), 1160:1168. https://doi.org/10.61113/ijiap.v3i5.907

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