Dreamers of the Day: An Exploration of Identity, Shame, and Maladaptive Daydreaming

This study explores the relationship between maladaptive daydreaming (MD) and identity shame among individuals with MD. Participants described how MD originated or intensified during periods of distress related to aspects of their identity they felt shame toward, such as sexuality, culture, or disability. They constructed idealized versions of themselves in fantasies and imaginary communities, which provided them with belonging and acceptance. These fantasies seemed to allow participants to process shame without external support. The obsessive nature of MD narratives suggests participants were trapped in an incomplete emotional processing loop. Identity shame may be a core driver in some cases of MD, with fantasies serving as maladaptive coping when authentic identity expression is impeded. We utilized psychoanalytic concepts of projection and dissociation to provide a framework for understanding MD rooted in identity issues.