Maladaptive Daydreaming, Overexcitability, and Emotion Regulation

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Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) was studied (N = 361) in pre-professional/professional dancers, college athletes, and active participants. The relationship among MD, overexcitability (OE), and emotion regulation was examined. Results indicated that MD was associated with imaginational OE and negatively with sensual OE. Difficulty with emotion regulation strategies in individuals with elevated MD included impulse control difficulties, decreased acceptance of negative emotions, and more difficulty mobilizing goal-directed behavior. Dancers had higher OEs compared to the active control group and similar to athletes for psychomotor OE. The three active groups were similar in emotion regulation. The investigation of MD is a relatively new field of study. Examining the relationship with OEs, emotion regulation, and MD adds to this field of inquiry.