Assessing the relationship between unmet belongingness needs and maladaptive daydreaming

Abstract

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is characterized by intense and immersive daydreaming that interferes with daily functioning and causes distress and dysfunction. Prior research has indicated that MD might serve as a coping mechanism for individuals with unmet social and emotional needs, yet its relationship with the need for belongingness has been underexplored. This study investigated the relationship between MD and belongingness, hypothesizing that individuals with MD exhibit lower levels of perceived belonging and higher need to belong, using fantasies and parasocial relationships to replace the social connections they crave but are not obtaining in real-life. The study recruited 217 participants from online forums discussing MD and related conditions. Findings revealed a significant negative correlation between MD and sense of belonging, suggesting that higher MD levels are associated with lower feelings of social integration and acceptance. Contrary to expectations, no linear relationship was found between MD and the need to belong. The study supports the notion that MD may function as a compensatory mechanism for unmet needs for belongingness. These findings suggest that therapeutic interventions aimed at addressing these unmet social needs could be key to effectively managing MD.