Assessing the psychometric properties of the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale 16 (MDS-16) in a Vietnamese student sample: a network analysis approach

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a dissociative absorption state triggered by excessive daydreaming, characterized by extensive fantasy activity that diminishes human interaction and/or impairs academic, interpersonal, or vocational functioning. The Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale-16 (MDS-16) is one of the most widely used measures to assess MD. However, its psychometric properties in the Vietnamese version are less documented. This study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the MDS-16 in a Vietnamese student sample. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 302 older teens and young adults in Vietnam, comprising 32 high school students and 270 university students (Mage = 20.25, SDage = 1.62). Factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure: immersive daydreaming, which encapsulates excessive immersion in daydreaming, and interference with life, which encapsulates the impacts of excessive daydreaming on life. The MDS-16 scores exhibited positive correlations with anxiety, depression, and loneliness and a negative correlation with social support. This insight enables therapists to develop personalized interventions targeting the core psychological factors underlying MD. In conclusion, the Vietnamese version of the MDS-16 is a valid and reliable measure.