Effects of sex, illness, and hospitalization on daydreaming

Abstract

200 Ss matched for sex, in- and outpatient status, and for medical-psychiatric nonpatient status were administered a self-rating daydreaming questions to daydreams. Strong sex differences in content emerged, with males engaging in flamboyant, action-oriented daydreams, while the daydreams of women were passive, reality-oriented, and somewhat less frequent. Very few emerged on the illness dimension, with psychiatric Ss engaging in more improbable, ideational, and highly affect laden daydreams, but reacting with little concern. Although daydreaming less than psychiatric Ss, medical Ss were more frightened by and absorbed in their daydreams. Generally, psychiatric Ss had a greater tolerance for emotional fantasy than did medical patients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.