The Relationship Between Anxiety and Maladaptive Daydreaming in Nursing Students: A Correlational Study

Abstract

In this cross-sectional study conducted among nursing students in India, the research explores the intricate relationship between maladaptive daydreaming (MD) and anxiety, filling a gap in a context where limited prior research exists. Using self-administered questionnaires, including the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS-16) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the study reveals a moderate positive correlation between MD and anxiety symptoms (r = 0.494, p < .001). Notably, MD was identified as a significant predictor of 24.2% of the variance in anxiety levels among nursing students. Moreover, the Kruskal-Wallis test demonstrated significant differences in anxiety levels across groups with varying degrees of MD tendencies. This research underscores the substantial impact of maladaptive daydreaming on anxiety among nursing students, emphasizing the imperative need for tailored interventions and support mechanisms. The study offers insights into these complex psychological phenomena within a unique cultural context, setting the stage for cross-cultural comparative research and targeted strategies for this student population's well-being.