Honors College Theses

Publication Date

5-4-2020

Major

Psychology (B.S.)

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Faculty Mentor

Brandon Weiss

Abstract

Fantasy has been broadly defined as a suspension of reality and the inclusion of imaginary states. Fantasy engagement, where an individual participates in lifestyles and/or activities that suspend reality, has been extended to the construct of fantasy proneness, in which individuals are described to have excessive daydreaming and fantasizing. Most of the studies in this area of research focus on the psychopathology and negative aspects of fantasy, while little is found on the potential benefits of fantasy engagement. The purpose of the study was to assess the potential benefits of fantasy proneness, including overall well-being and social support. College students were recruited to complete an online survey that includes two measures of fantasy proneness, as well as aspects of positive (i.e., overall well-being, social support) and negative (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress, dissociation) mental health. Potential benefits of fantasy proneness were examined as to whether they predict higher levels of fantasy engagement above and beyond negative mental health variables.

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