Mindfulness Meditation and Self-Monitoring Reduced Maladaptive Daydreaming Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Brief Self-Guided Web-Based Program

Abstract

Objective: Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a compulsive form of daydreaming that causes distress and functional impairment. We present the first treatment trial for MD. Method: We tested the effectiveness of an eight-session internet-based self-help training for mindfulness and self-monitoring and compared three groups across three measurement points in time. A sample of 557 people was randomly assigned. A total of 353 participants (age M[SD] = 28.3[10.5], 76% female, 77% unmarried) completed our program: fullintervention group (n = 114, psychoeducation + motivation enhancement + mindfulness + self-monitoring), partial-intervention group (n = 125, identical excluding self-monitoring), and waiting-list group (n = 125, internet-based support as usual). Results: All MD measures assessing daydreaming pathology, daydreaming frequency, and life functioning showed significant improvement with a large effect size (ES) from baseline to posttreatment in both intervention groups, whereas the wait-list group showed no significant improvement, MD: F(3, 349) = 35.76, p