Although vivid fantasizing involves the creation of imagined realities that share similar processes with memory source confusion, there has been limited research on the connection between these constructs. The current study used a thematic analysis approach to investigate the perceived relationship between an extreme form of dissociative absorption called maladaptive daydreaming (MD), source confusion, and memory errors. We interviewed 41 participants who self-identified as coping with MD, volunteered for MD research, and exhibited elevated MD scores. These questions delved into topics such as instances where they had difficulty distinguishing between daydreams and reality and situations where daydreams influenced their interactions with others. Of the respondents, 51% (n = 21) confirmed that they had experienced visions that they later confused with actual events. Based on their responses, we identified several recurring themes, including the impact of MD content on current social interactions, mistaking fantasy events for actual occurrences, confusing daydreams involving real people and plausible scenarios with actual events, and realizing that memories were based on fantasy. These themes shared a common thread: Most fabricated narratives aim to rectify an adverse past event or anticipate an unwelcome future. Our research findings indicate that individuals experiencing MD may recount fictitious stories of plausible or desired experiences, highlighting a significant association between MD and memory inaccuracies in the service of distress regulation.
Eli (Eliezer) Somer, Ph.D., (Corresponding author) is a Professor Emeritus of Clinical Psychology at the University of Haifa, School of Social Work. He is a scientist-practitioner, a pioneer researcher and clinician in the field of maladaptive daydreaming. He specializes in trauma and dissociation. He has published extensively on the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of dissociative disorders and trauma-related conditions. Somer has served as the President of the European Society for Trauma and Dissociation and the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from The University of Haifa in Israel and his Ph.D. at the University of Florida. Currently, he is a full clinical professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Haifa School of Social Work. Eli Somer, Ph.D., received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) in 2014. This award was in recognition of his extensive work in treating survivors of trauma for over 30 years. Please direct correspondence to somer@research.haifa.ac.il
Prof. Dr. Henry Otgaar works as a research professor at the Leuven Institute of Criminology (KU Leuven) and as a professor of Legal Psychology at the section Forensic Psychology, Maastricht University. Furthermore, he is a visiting fellow at the City University London and the Center of Memory and the Law (London). Prof. Dr. Otgaar’s research concentrates on developmental changes in memory from childhood to adulthood. Specifically, he is interested in factors that relate to the development of memory illusions. He collaborates with research groups in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Sweden, and North America. Current studies focus on precursors of children’s and adults’ false memories, adaptive memory, delayed disclosure of sexual abuse, and interviewing children. Dr. Otgaar has disseminated his work extensively and has presented his work to psychologists, students, and practitioners. His research often attracts national and international media attention.
Somer, E., & Otgaar, H. (2025). Memory distortions in maladaptive daydreaming: A study on source confusion and fantasy-driven confabulations. The Qualitative Report, 30(1), 2968-2989. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2025.7031