Experiential Avoidance, Perfectionism, and Self-Compassion in Maladaptive Versus Adaptive Daydreaming: A Comparative Study in Iran

Maryam  Pourmoazzen; Hoda  Doosalivand; Malek  Bastami; Amir Sam  Kianimoghadam

doi:10.18502/ijps.v21i1.20560

Maryam Pourmoazzen Student Research Committee, Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hoda Doosalivand Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Malek Bastami Faculty of Humanities, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.
Amir Sam Kianimoghadam Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijps.v21i1.20560

Keywords: Experiential Avoidance; Maladaptive Daydreaming; Perfectionism; Psychopathology; Self-Compassion

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare experiential avoidance, perfectionism, and self-compassion between individuals with maladaptive and adaptive daydreaming tendencies within Iranian cultural context.

Method: The study utilized an online survey distributed via social media to a convenience sample of Iranian adults. The final sample consisted of 428 participants, who were divided into an MD group (n = 210) and a normative group (n = 218). This classification was based on a conservative cutoff score of ≥ 50 on the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale-16 (MDS-16). Participants also completed the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS–H), and the Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ). A series of multivariate one-way analyses of variance (MANOVAs) were conducted to compare the groups.

Results: The MANOVA revealed a significant overall statistical difference between the groups. Compared to the normative group, individuals with MD reported significantly higher levels of experiential avoidance. The MD group also scored significantly higher on the negative components of self-compassion, including self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification, and scored significantly lower on the positive component of mindfulness. Furthermore, maladaptive daydreamers scored significantly higher on other-oriented and socially-prescribed perfectionism. No significant differences were found for self-oriented perfectionism, self-kindness, or common humanity.

Conclusion: This study provides empirical evidence that, within an Iranian sample, MD is associated with higher levels of experiential avoidance, other-oriented and socially-prescribed perfectionism, and deficits in self-compassion. These findings highlight crucial psychological factors potentially involved in the maintenance of MD. Therapeutic approaches may be enhanced by fostering self-compassion, addressing maladaptive perfectionistic beliefs, and employing strategies to reduce experiential avoidance.